Symbolic imageIndonesia to accept foreign help after four die fighting worst fires in a decade
Indonesia says it will accept foreign help against its worst forest fires in over a decade, after four people died fighting a blaze on Java. Haze is closing schools across the region.
Four people were trapped by flames and smoke on Thursday, 15 October, in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, the forestry ministry said. Two were park officers and two were security guards; three died at the scene and one in hospital. Satellite hotspots nationwide rose to 799 from 372 a day earlier, mostly in Central Kalimantan, and smoke is hampering water-bombing and cloud seeding.
Foreign help
Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir said President Prabowo Subianto approved accepting neighbours' aid, Reuters reports. Malaysia offered three helicopters, an aircraft and 52 personnel last month, with no follow-up.
Singapore targets companies
Environment Minister Grace Fu said seven companies will receive notices under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to stop burning. She did not say where they are based. Air readings passed 200 PSI in parts of the city.
Malaysia stays cautious
Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Kuala Lumpur will send no diplomatic note and take no legal action, to protect ties with Jakarta. Eight education districts in Selangor closed schools on Friday.
Other opinions
Global Times carries only photos of the haze in Singapore, without naming Indonesia or the fires.