KLH probes suspected deliberate fires to damage government image

The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency is investigating alleged forest and land fires that were deliberately set to damage the government's image. Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat said the information came from intelligence reports, but it still must be verified to establish its accuracy and identify those involved. He made the remarks at the International Conference on Peatland Research and Innovation in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Saturday (30/10). KLH/BPLH is also investigating fires in 335 company concession areas. Jumhur said each location must be examined one by one because the burned areas vary in size, from two hectares to hundreds of hectares. The field verification results will form the basis for determining responsibility, both for concession holders and for other parties proven to be involved.