Hi everyone, from the previous blog, I shared about the health implications of haze on people and for today’s blog, I would like to share how leaders in Southeast Asia can work together in tackling this regional problem.

 

Firstly, there is a greater need for “stronger resolve and cooperation” among ASEAN countries (CNA, 2019). Secondly, Countries in the region that has the expertise and manpower to put out forest fires could also come forward at the initial start of the forest fires if it occurs due to prolonged dry spells. However, when these forest fires are intentionally burned, the Indonesian government needs to be strict and firm in policing those who are illegally burning large lands of a forest. 

 

The failure of Indonesia and ASEAN to deal effectively with the problem occurred as a result of hidden forms of powerful economic and political constraints. Within Indonesia and ASEAN, the engagement to tackle haze at ASEAN level often seen to serve and to protect the interests of the oil palm plantation sector (Varkkey, 2012). This severely impedes the effectiveness of the agreement, instead of offering solutions to the transboundary haze problem, Indonesia local governments tend to allow the haze to persists (Varkkey, 2012).

 

To conclude, the haze is not an issue for the Indonesian country to settle on their own. This is especially important as haze often cross large geographical boundaries and they do not contain itself within the Indonesia border. It is vital to implement concrete plans and legislation to combat haze issues in the near future as we as a region still continues to struggle to tackle haze despite knowing the long-term health and environmental implications.

 

 

-https://www.greenpeace.org/southeastasia/press/3221/asean-haze-2019-the-battle-of-liability/

References:

 Stronger ASEAN cooperation needed to tackle haze, says Masagos as Singapore offers help to Indonesia. (2019, September 16). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/haze-singapore-psi-nea-indonesia-fire-masagos-extend-help-11906432

 

Varkkey, H. (2012). Patronage politics as a driver of economic regionalisation: The Indonesian oil palm sector and transboundary haze. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 53(3), 314-329. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8373.2012.01493.x