Japan helps Indonesia tackle fires

Haze in Indonesia (Source: PA)

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs received aid from the Japanese government at its headquarters in Jakarta on October 16 to put out fires and tackle haze problem.

Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Yasuaki Tanizaki said Japan decided to provide 2,000 liters of liquid fire extinguisher for Indonesia to deal with fires. The chemical will be transported to Palembang in South Sumatra between October 17 and 19.

An expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be sent to Indonesia to assist fire fighting and haze control efforts, he added.
The Japanese government hopes the emergency aid will be used effectively, helping the Southeast Asian nation control the ongoing smog disaster, the ambassador said.

Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir praised the Japanese government’s support, saying it would enhance the two countries’ relations.

Nasir stressed Indonesia’s efforts to control the situation and revealed that more than 200 individuals and companies are facing legal responsibilities in regards to the fires.

Forest fires have occurred in Sumatra and Kalimantan since mid-June, causing serious air pollution in Indonesia and neighbouring countries.-VNA