Are local farmers truly the main culprits behind the haze?

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Local Farmers Identified as Primary Cause of Haze by Forest Fire Control Officer

A senior officer responsible for forest fire control has stated that local farmers should be held accountable for the haze. This official acknowledged that forest fires escalated beyond control after local farmers initiated fires for land clearance, which subsequently spread into the operational areas of larger corporations. The practice of slash-and-burn land clearance is noted as a traditional farming method employed by local farmers and also by some substantial companies within Indonesia, highlighting its widespread nature in land management practices.
Traditional Farming Methods and Spread of Fires

The senior officer elaborated that the fires intensified significantly after local farmers began burning land to clear it for agricultural purposes. These fires then encroached upon the concessions of major companies. This suggests that the initial ignition and spread originated from activities undertaken by local farmers, leading to a situation that became difficult to manage. The officer's admission implies that the larger companies were inadvertently affected by fires that began elsewhere.
Traditional Slash-and-Burn Practices

Slash-and-burn land clearance is described as a customary agricultural technique utilized by local farmers and, notably, by some large corporations in Indonesia. This method is favoured for its cost-effectiveness in clearing land, as the resulting ash naturally fertilises the soil. The process is efficient in terms of time, effort, and financial outlay, making it an attractive option for land preparation.
Challenges with Peatland Fires

A significant issue arises because much of this cleared land consists of peat. Once ignited, fires in peatlands can continue to smoulder underground for extended periods, ranging from days to several months. This underground burning makes extinguishing the fires exceptionally challenging, leading to persistent haze. The difficulty in controlling these subterranean fires is a key factor in the prolonged and severe haze events.

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Are local farmers truly the main culprits behind the haze?

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