MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I have instructed Australia's ambassador to Indonesia to make a detailed
assessment of the situation currently affecting Indonesia in relation to forest
fires and drought.
He will report to me in the next few days on the kinds of assistance required
by the Indonesian government that Australia could deliver.
Australia stands ready and willing to respond with appropriate humanitarian
assistance.
This follows a meeting convened yesterday by the Indonesian Environment
Minister Sarwono in which he told donors Indonesia is seeking various forms of
international assistance.
Forest fires have been a regular event in Kalimantan and Sumatra since the
early 1980s. The problem this year, however, has been exacerbated by the
particularly severe dry season related to the El Nino phenomenon, and Indonesia
is experiencing serious forest fires and smoke haze problems. Smoke haze has
also seriously affected Malaysia and Singapore. Furthermore the severe dry
season has caused serious food shortages in some regions.
Senator Hill represented Australia at a recent ASEAN Environment Ministers'
meeting where the issue was discussed.
As well as immediate humanitarian assistance, Australia is willing to provide
technical assistance in the areas of fire detection, prevention and control in
the longer term. This will, however, need to be undertaken in close
collaboration with the Indonesian Government.
Media contacts: Innes Willox (Minister's office) (02) 6277
7500/0411 414 695 Mark Giffard (AusAID) (02) 6206
4966