Washington DC, (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) raised the issue of forest fires during his policy speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.
The fires are linked to deforestation and slash-and-burn agricultural practices, and Jokowi has pledged to curb these activities, which contribute to global warming.
The fires have grounded flights and triggered respiratory ailments among thousands of Indonesians, and have been spewing greenhouse gases across the region.
President Jokowi stated that forest fires are a serious problem being faced by Indonesia today.
However, the president reiterated his commitment to solving this problem through utilizing the resources owned by Indonesia and also a likelihood of assistance and cooperation with other countries.
The fires have challenged Jokowi's government and brought the issue of climate change to the forefront less than two months before a United Nations conference in Paris intended to conclude an agreement on global warming.
Obama stated on Monday that large nations, such as the United States and Indonesia must work towards achieving the strongest possible emission targets.
The fires, which have spread thick haze over the Asian country, are forcing Jokowi to cut short his trip to the United States that had been focused as much on investment as on the two countries' relationship.
Jokowi affirmed that the problem of forest fires, illegal fishing, and emissions are also a matter of concern for the Indonesian government.(*)
