"We have to pay attention to the land and plantation fires. Singapores protests are strong," stated Gamal Nasir in Pekanbaru, Riau on Thursday.
Gamal noted that in future, it should be ensured that there are no protests from other countries regarding the fires and smokes and in this regard, it should be addressed properly.
According to Gamal, the forest fires are caused by humans, for clearing the land. Moreover, based on reports from the Meteorology, Geophysics and Climatology Board (BMKG), the climate is leading to El Nino, and so the dry season in 2014 will be longer than the previous years.
Another factor that causes the land fires is the water governance in the peatland, which has not been maximized; the moat surrounding the area has dried up because of the dry season.
"The efforts toward fire prevention should be priority and steps should be taken to avoid the fires from spreading," Gamal explained.
Gamal pointed out that the Directorate General of Plantation also reached out to the owners of the plantation companies and the people who own land, to educate them on the Law No.18 of 2004 on plantations.
"The head of the company must be committed to handling the fires in the plantations, especially in each of their areas," he noted.
Gamal also expects the law enforcement officers to implement Article 26 of Law No.18 of 2004 to avoid attempt of burning forests. According to the article, the burning of forests may attract a punishment of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp10 billion.
Similarly, if the fire causes fatalities, the perpetrator can be charged under Article 48 of Law No.18 of 2004 with a maximum punishment of 15 years and a fine of Rp15 billion.
Reporting by Adityawarman
(D018/INE/O001)
EDITED BY INE
(D018/KR-BSR/O001)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
