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Monday, June 18, 2007

Funds for handling forest fires reach Rp 300 billion

The minister said the funds were collected from the Office of the Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare (Rp 100 billion), the Forestry Ministry (Rp 66 billion) and the rest from the provincial administrations.

"Each province of the seven participating provinces provides Rp10 billion," the minister said.

Kaban pointed out that 78 percent of areas where forest fires were located belonged to the people and thus local administrations had to take part in efforts to avert and overcome forest fires.

"The provincial administrations must be responsible (for the forest fires)," he said, adding that Rp 26 billion of the funds was used to rent helicopters.

"The fund (Rp 26 billion) is used to rent four to seven helicopters which pour water on fires for about 500 hours," he said.

The minister expressed hope the number of hot spots in Indonesia`s forests could be reduced up to less than 50 percent.

He said in an anticipatory measure his ministry had made socialization in North Sumatra, Jambi, Central Kalimantan and Riau.

Kaban was optimistic that forest fires in Indonesia could be drastically reduced in 2007.

"With the involment of regional heads -- governors and district heads/mayors as well as security institutions like the National Defence Force (TNI) and the National Police -- I believe there will be drastic changes in 2007," he said.

by cluk at 1:35 PM |