Why are Indonesian farmers suing their president?

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Indonesian Farmers Sue President Over Inadequate Haze Crisis Response

Indonesian farmers have filed a class-action lawsuit against President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, alleging insufficient action to curb land-clearing activities that contribute to the nation's recurring haze crisis. The legal action, initiated by farmers from five villages in Riau province, highlights the deep impact of these practices on their livelihoods and communities. The lawsuit also names the forestry and environment ministers, as well as the Riau governor, as defendants.
Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Riau Farmers

The class-action lawsuit was lodged at the Jakarta High Court by environmental groups representing farmers from five villages in Riau province, Sumatra. These farmers contend that President Yudhoyono has failed to adequately address activities such as slash-and-burn land clearance and logging. These practices are identified as primary drivers of the climate change impacts that significantly disrupt the farmers' lives.
Severe Haze Crisis Prompts Legal Action

The filing of the lawsuit was directly prompted by the severe haze experienced in June, when widespread fires used for land clearance in Riau engulfed the province and neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore. This smog reached its worst levels in over a decade, profoundly affecting daily life. Activities such as work and school were disrupted, and flight cancellations became common due to the poor air quality.
Riau's Palm Oil Industry and Slash-and-Burn Practices

Riau province is a significant hub for Indonesia's palm oil industry, where illegal slash-and-burn methods are frequently employed for converting land into plantations. This technique is often chosen for its speed and cost-effectiveness in land preparation. The extensive loss of tropical forest to palm oil and paper plantations has been a long-standing issue, positioning Indonesia as the world's leading supplier of palm oil.
Allegations of Ineffective Government Measures

Activists supporting the farmers' legal action assert that the president and his ministers have taken insufficient steps to safeguard communities from the adverse effects of climate change. Despite President Yudhoyono's 2009 pledge to reduce carbon emissions by at least 26% by 2020 and the subsequent suspension of new land-clearing permits, these measures are claimed to be ineffective. Land clearance, both legal and illegal, continues unabated, with fires often being the preferred method.

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Why are Indonesian farmers suing their president?

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