Golkar made the announcement as the forest fires, which have been caused by irresponsible people, have caused many problems for surrounding communities, including respiratory illness, poor visibility and disruption to transportation and mobility.

'Forest fires in Riau are a never-ending problem. They are usually set by irresponsible people who want to clear land but with no consideration for the environment. The government is obliged take firm measures agaisnt the perpetrators,' Golkar politician and vice chairman of the House of Representatives Commission IV on agriculture and plantations, Firman Soebagyo, said as quoted by tribunnews.com on Monday.

Firman added that the government had to be firm so as to prevent the fire issue from affecting bilateral relations with neighboring countries, especially Singapore and Malaysia.

'I hope this issue is not going to drag on much longer. It should be noted here, however, that the cause of the problems associated with the fires does not always originate in Indonesia, but we are the ones who should take responbility," he said.

During 2012 and 2013, Indonesia's government handled 41 cases relating to forest fires in Riau. More than 25 people have been arrested and named suspects, some of whom work for Singaporean and Malaysian companies. (meh)

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