JakartaPost/AFP-Oct 22
Some Indonesians have been turning to social media to voice their frustrations and apologize about the uncontrolled wildfire that causes toxic haze reaching Malaysia, Singapore and other countries, while urging them to protest the Indonesian government over their handling on the issue. When atmospheric haze from forest and peatland fires worsened in Kalimantan in mid-October, videos showing skies turning dusty orange spread widely across social media, including one posted by homemaker Firda Ayu Wahyu in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. Showing the view outside her house in the city, one of the hardest-hit areas by wildfire-induced haze across Kalimantan, the video she posted drew millions of views on TikTok and Threads before being reposted by national and global news outlets. “I hope the videos gain attention and reach the regional and central governments, so they can respond quickly and name the forest fires a national disaster,” Firda told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, complaining further about lagging disaster response she observed in her region. Firda and other Indonesians have been turning to social media to voice their frustration about the uncontrolled wildfire, with some are also calling on the international community to pressure Jakarta to respond more effectively, as haze reaches as far as neighboring countries of Malaysia and the Philippines. Jakarta-based private employee Andreas Pandu called on people across the region, whom he referred to using the internet solidarity term SEAblings (Southeast Asia siblings), to speak out loudly. He said people abroad who had also been affected by the haze have more room to criticize the government, while domestic criticism was often met with counternarrative and attempts to silence dissent. Criticisms from abroad, he added, may embarrass the government into taking action. “If someone feels ashamed,” Andreas said, “they should reflect on their shortcomings and move quickly to address the problem.” Read more at:
