The haze annoys me. It irritates my eyes, causing them to smart easily, and makes me and my family coop up at home most of the time, instead of enjoying the out-door. It is also making me spending more time then necessary in front of my computer, and making me blog more than I normally do. Victor is right on this score.
So, the Indonesian authorities are reported to be dragging its feet in ratifying the Asean anti-haze pact. Why am I not surprised? From Megawati to the current SBY, the Indonesian leaders have never really exhibited any sincere resolution to tackle the haze problems. What they did so far is to apply lip-service.
In refusing to ratify the pact, the Indonesians have talked about the need for a "balance of benefits". Did I hear wrongly? Are they saying that measures to bring the haze down would benefit only its neighbours? Are the Indonesians not suffering from the effects brought about by the Haze as well? How could the issue of the haze be linked to non-environmental issue such as the extradition treaty with Singapore? Personally, I find it incredulous that the Indonesians should think they are in a position to negotiate with our government.
Not too long ago, there were reports that the Indonesian government was toying with the idea to acquire nuclear energy to serve its population of about 222 millions. If they can't clean up their backyard and solve the haze problem now, what makes them think they could manage if ever there is a nuclear fall-out in their country? If this happens, the ramifications to the countries in the region would be far worse than what we are experiencing now.
Category: Policies
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7 comments:
So it could be a deliberate attempt to arm-twist us. How clever.
I have a feeling they are not interested in stopping the haze. Even if we agree to all their requests, you think they will or are able to solve the problem.
Well, I think if a concerted affort is made, there's no reason why the haze problem cannot be solved. Perhaps we may not see the result immediately, for the measures in place (if they're ever implemented) may take years to bear fruits. But we must first see the conviction of the Indonesian government in wanting to solve the problem. So far, they don't seem to be very sincere. What's the point of saying sorry but not follow it up with action? There's no room for another NATO (No Action Talk Only).
I think this problem will continue for many years to come...Simpli is that I have no confidence in the Indonesian authorities in tackling this issue. My only hope is in nature. That the wind will blow it to a place where it won't cause disruption to our and others daily life.
Maybe it's better for that country to go the way of Yugoslavia or Czechoslovakia. Right now they themselves admit the country is too big, the corruption too ingrained for anything to be done. But of course that kind of change comes at a heavy price and not without bloodshed.
Yet, a prominent politician from our neighbour up north suggested that Asean members pull their resources together and come up with a fund to assist the Indonesians in tackling the haze problem. Yes, I don't think Indonesia alone is able to sorlve the haze problem. But I'm not sure if having a fund is a good idea, considering how some of the funds meant for the Tsunami victims were reportedly mis-used....
It is like having a poor neighbour who has many children and could not cope up with his numerous problems arising thereof. As good neighbours, and with not much choices, should put all our heads together, and help him. Only with sincerity all round, can this unsolvable problem solve.
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