25/02/2005 - WWF-Indonesia
once again recorded high frequency hotspots
distribution in Riau this year, where the
majority is located in major plantation’s
area. Fogs threaten both the community’s
health and the biodiversity. Meanwhile the
local government’s advice to use face masks
do not really address the issue. Without
firm action, this nature destruction will
continue to attack Riau yearly.
Fogs in Riau are getting thicker, according
to the Modis satellite 2812 hotspots were
identified, which are distributed among
several districts in Riau including Riau
Islands. Bengkalis District recorded the
highest number of hotspots: 1324. These
hotspots are distributed among several industrial
forests concessions located in Riau, among
others APP and partners (21 hotspots), and
APRIL and partners (10 hotspots). Furthermore,
hotspots are also located in several concessions
of companies that were named to have started
the fires in 2003 by the Riau Province’s
Government.
Modis’ satellite observation showed that
since early this year hotspots have been
emerging, started by the identification
of 143 hotspots in the third week of January,
which plummeted to almost 3000 hotspots
towards the end of February. Pekanbaru has
been covered with fog during this last week.
“The air pollution indicator in Pekanbaru
has reached 400 this week,” explained Nazir
Foead, Species Program Director, WWF-Indonesia.
This indicates that the air is extremely
not healthy; data from Riau’s Health Service
reported that more than 11000 people have
been experiencing upper respiratory infection.
Nazir further explained “Hotspots distribution
have also been identified in the remaining
high value conservation forests area such
as the Giam Siak Kecil area and also again
in APRIL’s and APP’s concession areas.”
As been done previously, the government
has advised the community to use face masks
if the air condition worsen, and even advised
schools to stop their learning activities.
This may reduce the number of respiratory
infections, but it doesn’t get to the root
of the problem. “The government has to implement
a firm action to really teach a lesson for
the people responsible for forest and area
fires” stated Ian Kosasih, Forest Program
Director, WWF-Indonesia, “Without firm law
enforcement, Riau will continue to experience
forest fires every year.”
Notes for the editor:
* Based on WWF-Indonesia’s research in
Riau’s forests, especially in the Tesso
Nilo area which has the highest vascular
biodiversity in the world
* List of companies proved to have conducted
forest and area burning in 2003 that have
been announced by the Riau Province Government:
1. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper
2. PT Hamidah Hamidi
3. PT Guntung Hasrat Makmur
4. PT Alam Sari Lestari
5. PT Sri Buana Dumai
6. PT Multi Gambut Industri
7. PT Mapala Rabda (APP Subsidiary)
8. PT Eka Dura Indonesia
9. PT Jatim Jaya Perkasa
10. PT Selaras Abadi Utama
