Minister plays down Riau, Jambi forest fires

A minister says the government does not consider forest fires in Riau and Jambi provinces a pressing problem despite evidence they have caused health problems.
 
Forestry Minister MS Kaban said the government would only take firm action to control fires if the haze disturbed flights and sparked protests in neighboring countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore.

“We must accept the fact that haze might reach other regions like Batam and other parts of Sumatra. Why should we care about domestic affairs? People in other countries will laugh at us,” Kaban told a media briefing.

He blamed the fires on local people clearing land the traditional way and on oil palm companies.

“The local people burn wood as they cannot afford to buy tractors to clear the land. Companies also start fires,” he said.

He added the government would not ask the police to arrest the people responsible for starting fires.