Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia is working on options to reduce the amount of transboundary haze that could affect Singapore, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
The official said on June 6 that the Indonesian authorities are looking at climate modification technology to produce artificial rain and strengthen water reserves, which could help prevent peatland fires.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said on May 30 that more prolonged and intense heat waves and droughts are expected from June to October in the southern ASEAN region – which includes Singapore – with a higher risk of transboundary haze and fires. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has forecast the risk of forest fires to rise when Indonesia enters the dry season that began in April.
However, Luhut affirmed that the Indonesian Government has proactively taken measures to minimise the impact caused by the weather.
Transboundary haze pollution was most severe in 2016 when the clearing of forests for palm plantations in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan caused wildfires, with the nation receiving complaints from neighbouring countries, including Singapore. Since then, the amount of haze has decreased significantly, as the country focuses more on environmental solutions and educating the people./.
The official said on June 6 that the Indonesian authorities are looking at climate modification technology to produce artificial rain and strengthen water reserves, which could help prevent peatland fires.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) said on May 30 that more prolonged and intense heat waves and droughts are expected from June to October in the southern ASEAN region – which includes Singapore – with a higher risk of transboundary haze and fires. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has forecast the risk of forest fires to rise when Indonesia enters the dry season that began in April.
However, Luhut affirmed that the Indonesian Government has proactively taken measures to minimise the impact caused by the weather.
Transboundary haze pollution was most severe in 2016 when the clearing of forests for palm plantations in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan caused wildfires, with the nation receiving complaints from neighbouring countries, including Singapore. Since then, the amount of haze has decreased significantly, as the country focuses more on environmental solutions and educating the people./.
VNA
