Seeing Indonesia through the haze

The problem is driven not by natural causes but by man-made deforestation for the expansion of palm oil and pulp and paper plantations. Addressing the root cause is even more problematic because of uncertainty over land rights, corruption, decentralisation and conflicting rules.

Powerful corporations are involved and while some have made pledges for greater transparency and sustainability, others remain opaque and uncommitted. Moreover, rather than being a consistent priority, there have been periods of inaction and statements by high-ranking Indonesian officials that play down the problem. 

It was easy to be cynical last week when, visiting Jakarta, I felt a sense of deja vu. 

Back in 1998, I had gone to see Indonesia’s environment minister. Even after then-president Suharto had accepted moral responsibility, not enough was done. It didn’t seem to matter that Indonesians had suffered losses estimated at US$5 billion in terms of fire damage, health costs and lost tourism. 

Today, a “Jakarta only” mindset persists. The fires and haze do not affect the capital where the rich and political elite live. The biggest companies have never faced prosecution. But my meetings last week gave some reasons to be encouraged.

President Joko Widodo has personally visited the worst affected areas, where the pollution is many times that which neighbouring states are suffering. He sees the problem as an “economic crime” that harms Indonesia and her people. An emergency has been declared and thousands of troops have been sent to help fire-fighting efforts.

The serious intention shows in the Situation Room of the presidential palace. The room is set up to provide real-time monitoring of the fires in Kalimantan and Riau, the worst hit provinces. There is a team on hand to analyse the information and gather reports from officials as well as communities and NGOs on the ground. 

The president’s chief of staff Pak Teten Masduki assured me that updates are given every day to the president personally and he is anxious to move ahead. A list of companies have been named for investigation and possible prosecution and the president has promised to solve the problem.

Is this too good to believe? 

Jokowi was elected as “the people’s president”, the first person outside the Jakarta elite to take up the top office. He promised to change things to help the vast majority of Indonesian citizens, and yet, nearing the first anniversary of his election, this has proved difficult. 

Opposition and differing factions within the governing party have slowed progress. A lack of coordination even among some ministers has created uncertainty. 

A Cabinet reshuffle has followed, with a change of the economic team and in key positions closest to the president – including the chief of staff position now occupied by Pak Teten. The Jokowi administration is under pressure to prove that it can be effective. In this context, the haze is not only an environmental issue but a test of government capacity and will. 

No one should be naive. The issues and interests behind the fires are complex and will not be resolved just by the word of one person, even the president. A full solution may well take three years, as Jokowi has said publicly. Indeed, some analysts reckon that to be an over-ambitious target. 

Some things can only be achieved in the longer term. One example is Indonesia’s One Map to authoritatively define ownership and approved uses of land concessions. Years of effort have been made but much more needs to be done.

There are, however, steps that can be taken more immediately if indeed greater and more focused efforts are being made by the administration.

First, beyond emergency fire-fighting, look to Jokowi to publicly set priorities and close any gaps in existing regulations. For this, a presidential decree would set the agenda – and can be signed by the executive without having to go through parliament. 

A second sign is whether the Palace will indeed move to speedily investigate and prosecute the Indonesian companies to blame, including the larger ones. Such action would be unprecedented. Indonesian authorities should also share information about any Singapore-based companies so that prosecutions can proceed in the Singaporean courts.

Third, note the recent statement made by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Masudi, that the country will accept offers of assistance from neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore and even Russia. This is a good sign and Jokowi should take leadership on this issue ahead of November’s summit meeting of Asean leaders. 

The problem is complex and has persisted, with tragic consequences, for far too long. Fundamentally, the “Jakarta only” mindset must give way to a deeper understanding that the fires and haze impact the whole of Indonesia, her people and her economy. 

Much needs to be done and it can be. But much depends on Indonesia and Jokowi being willing and able to take the lead, with real action. If concrete steps are taken, all should put aside their anger and cynicism – and not only to applaud but to lend full support.

 

Simon Tay is chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. The SIIA is organising a public exhibition on the causes of the fires and haze, which runs from this Friday to Sunday at NEX in Singapore.