VIVAnews - Forestry Minister M.S. Kaban stated that the smoke entering Indonesia's neighbouring countries might not only come from the land burning, which happened in Riau.
He said that the number of hotspots in Indonesia is still considered normal. High hotspots number can be found in Central Kalimantan, which reaches thousands. Concerning the issue that said the smoke from the fire in Riau entering other countries' atmosphere, further investigation would be needed.
"If it is said that the smoke from Indonesia evading the neighbouring countries, I can also say that there is a high number of hotspots in Sabah and Serawak," Kaban said in West Nusa Tenggara on Friday, Aug. 7.
Kaban stressed that the smoke might not always come from Indonesia. "[It is possible] that the smoke from Sabah and Serawak [that enters other countries], do not put the responsibility to us," he added.
The Minister explained that there was not any forest fire in Riau. Based on helicopter observation, the smoke came from field burning.
"What happened is the community opened their plantation land by burning [the field]," he added.
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Coverage by: Edy Gustan | Mataram
Translated by: Ariyantri E. Tarman
