(Jakarta Post) - Plantation companies have often ordered local people to burn forest or peatland near their concessions, hoping that the fire will spread onto their land. “Once the fire takes hold of their concessions, the companies shift the blame onto the local residents as if the fire had accidentally and spread to their land.
Preliminary investigations have singled out eight plantation companies owned by Malaysian investors as the source of forest fires in Riau that have caused Southeast Asia’s worst ever air pollution crisis.
The Environment Ministry’s deputy for environmental degradation and climate change, Arief Yuwono, said that under the environment law, the penalties for causing illegal forest fires are a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of up to 5 billion rupiah (US$504,000).
Six other companies are also involved, but Balthasar refused to name them.
Source: Smoking gun in Malaysian hands
Obviously, the countries involved, Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia, are putting on a show for the public. You know, blaming each other, issuing threats, pretending they are working hard to find a solution. Once the haze passes, it'll be life as usual...
The laws are in place. (I think it is too lenient)
- maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of up to 5 billion rupiah (US$504,000).
The evidence is there.
- satellite images & the haze
The culprits are identified.
- eight plantation
companies owned by Malaysian investors
- Six other companies are also involved, but Balthasar refused to name them.
What are they waiting for?
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