Indonesian Gov. Promises End To Forest Fires In 2 Years - Reuters

[hatrack]

JAKARTA - Indonesia's environment minister pledged on Thursday the forest fires that frequently blanket parts of Southeast Asia with choking smoke would disappear in two years.

Indonesia has been under pressure from its neighbours to deal with recurring forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that emit billowing smoke, or haze as it's known in the region, which deters tourists and causes health problems.

"We are making very, very serious efforts. We will not be able to eradicate the fires completely this year and next year, but in two years they will be gone," Environment Minister Rachmat Witeolar told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Witoelar said the government would impound land belonging to plantation and timber companies suspected of being cleared by burning and bring their owners to justice.

EDIT

http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/37829/story.htm

Uh, yeah, you let us know how that works out, OK? :eyes:

[MrModerate]

1. They'll just accelerate illegal logging until . . .

there are no trees at all. Hey! Problem solved.