Indonesia Welcomes Foreign Assistance To Extinguish Forest Fires

New York (Antara Bali)- The government is open to receiving assistance from any country, including Singapore, keen to help put out the forest fires, according to Vice President Jusuf M. Kalla.

"Please do, we are open. Singapore could participate and see personally. Singapore, please (come) if it wants to help, do not just talk," Kalla stated here, Sunday.

Singapore had earlier voiced its protest over the haze arising from Indonesia's forest fires that had reached the neighboring country.

Indonesia has taken utmost efforts to put out the forest fires, but it could not be dealt with in a short period of time, the vice president stated.

"The problem of forest fires in Indonesia has been aggravated by the drought and strong winds," he remarked.

"We have made every possible effort because its effects are being felt in other countries. If those countries want to help, welcome," he noted.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said she had communicated with her counterpart in Singapore to explain about the measures being taken by Indonesia.

"Indonesia is very serious about tackling the forest fires, including imposing legal enforcement and increasing public awareness," the minister added. (WDY)