The illegal burning of land to make way for new plantings of pulp timber and palm oil trees is a regular occurrence on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, where many of the lucrative crops are grown. Source: Australia Network News
The smoke haze that comes with it has become a normal part of life for Indonesians living in the area. However, the massive cloud of pollution has this year reached unprecedented levels in neighbouring countries, creating condemnation of the country and a practice many say should have been stopped.
Riau province has recently found itself at the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
It has long been a hotbed for the illegal practice of slashing and burning during the dry season, when the land can be cleared cheaply and easily.
This year, environmental group Eyes on the Forest said there were more than 6700 fire hotspots in the area during the month of June. But it wasn’t until the smoke created a noxious haze over Singapore and Malaysia that the Indonesian government took action, apologising to its neighbours and assuming responsibility for putting out the fires.
Investigations started and police in the area have arrested 10 people. Rokan Hilir police chief, Tonny Hermawan, said the investigation is making progress.
“At this moment, the investigation has produced a result,” he said “Based on the result, this fire disaster was caused not only by natural factor, but also human negligence.”
Indonesia is the only country in a group of South-east Asian nations yet to sign an anti-haze pact drawn up more than 10 years ago.
Senior ministers from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have been meeting to discuss the problem. Fingers are being pointed at companies from all three countries that operate in Sumatra.
“Besides handling the individuals, we are also helping the provincial police and the environment ministry in investigating areas where company land is burnt,” police chief Tonny Hermawan said. For Darwin and Nur’ainan’s son, Adytia, action has been too slow.
“The president has not acted quick enough for this place,” Adytia said. “Everything has been burned.”
