Why did Indonesia name only Malaysian companies in the haze probe?

Question

Accepted Answer

Indonesia Named Malaysian Companies Amidst Haze Probe, Citing Allegations of Involvement

Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya publicly identified eight Malaysian-owned companies as responsible for the haze, although a senior official in charge of forest fire control suggested local farmers were to blame. The Indonesian government stated that 14 additional companies were under investigation. Two of the named companies, including Sime Darby Plantation, have denied that fires occurred within their operational areas and noted their inability to control activities outside their designated concessions.
Allegations Against Malaysian Companies

Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya specifically named eight Malaysian-owned companies, asserting they were the culprits behind the haze. These allegations were made as part of an ongoing investigation into the causes of the transboundary haze. The minister also indicated that a further 14 companies were currently under scrutiny, suggesting a broader scope for the probe.
Counterclaims and Local Farmer Involvement

A senior officer responsible for forest fire control in Indonesia offered a different perspective, suggesting that local farmers should bear responsibility for the fires. This official admitted that the forest fires had become uncontrollable after local farmers initiated land-clearing fires, which subsequently spread into the operating areas of larger companies. This viewpoint contrasts with the minister's focus on foreign-owned entities.
Company Denials and Concession Boundaries

Sime Darby Plantation, one of the named companies, issued a statement denying the presence of fires within its operational areas in Indonesia. The company clarified that its subsidiary, PT Tunggal Mitra Plantation, held a concession of 13,836 hectares, with 2,474 hectares being occupied by local communities. Sime Darby Plantation emphasised its limited capacity to control activities occurring beyond its defined operational boundaries.
Traditional Farming Practices and Peatland Fires

The practice of slash-and-burn land clearance, a traditional and cost-effective farming method in Indonesia, is also cited as a contributing factor. This method, reportedly used by some large companies as well as local farmers, naturally fertilises the land. However, fires on Indonesia's prevalent peatlands are particularly problematic, as they can smoulder underground for extended periods, making them difficult to extinguish and leading to significant haze.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why did Indonesia name only Malaysian companies in the haze probe?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends