Graciously accepting SBY apology

We didn't ask for one but when SBY offered one we graciously accepted.

We have always taken pains to accommodate others, which is often not reciprocated especially by those in the 'household'. Far larger powers treat us better! The members of the 'family' have no class.

I hope lots of people had tuned into the morning talk show yesterday on 93.8. The guest explained how the military is a key pillar of diplomacy. The more capable the SAF the softer and more effectively we can speak. But I think the way things are changing, we need to diversify and be better at narrowly targeting our force projection. We must have lethal options against unconventional targets. It would help us speak softly to the evil business people responsible for the fires. Of course we must also have secure and reliable channels to let them know what's on our mind but cannot shout from the rooftop. If they run around like frightened chickens shouting for help, it's best nobody except their helpless sponsors or may be even complicit government believe them. This is far cheaper and effective in solving the haze problem for us and what else might appear over the horizon to threaten us.

I have noticed the habit of this government trying to be ever more targeted in delivering solutions. I am sure far more insightful and forward thinking people are already on this even before the germ of this thought appear in my mind.

It is so delicious what a powerless citizen can say when his government and the MSM must not even begin to think of doing :-)


Update: June 10:25pm

Just found the following on AsiaOne and I thought better reproduced it here to since AsiaOne has a habit of removing articles after a while.

I have long suspected this and was looking for such info. Look at the relative economics. They will burn. In doing so they transfer the real cost to the others as negative externalities. You think persuasion would stop them? If you do, you are simply naive. This is as at least as difficult as dealing with transnational drug problems. Unless you are prepared to be open minded about all methods you are not going to solve this.


Wed, Jun 26, 2013
The Star/Asia News Network


PETALING JAYA - The slash and burn method of land clearing is 40 times cheaper than using machines, thus making it difficult for Indonesia to stop open burning.

"The underlying factor is cost," said Dr Helena Varkkey of the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Universiti Malaya.

Dr Varkkey, whose expertise is in environmental politics, said that based on research done by others, the cost per hectare in using the slash and burn method is approximately US$5 per hectare (S$6.4).

Using machines would cost about US$200.

She pointed out that small-scale farmers were not the primary source of fires and the culprits were the 60 per cent to 80 per cent of commercial plantations.

"The problem is that most commercial plantations also prefer to use fire, for similar cost-related reasons.

"These companies are able to avert the risk of being caught and punished for open burning," said Dr Varkkey who was written papers on the haze and oil palm.

She explained that the companies would hire subcontractors to clear land and if they were caught for burning, they claimed to have instructed the subcontractors not to use the slash and burn way.

These companies, she added, often cultivate healthy relationships with local and central government officials.

Another situation that led to the fires causing transboundary haze that has affected Malaysia and Singapore in recent days is the increasing use of peat soil to grow oil palm trees.

Dr Varkkey said there are regulations that forbid the use of peat land for commercial purposes

"When drained for use, peat dries quickly and becomes highly flammable.

"Even if these companies do not deliberately burn for land clearing, drained peat is highly susceptible to accidental fires.

"These companies are already placing their concessions at risk of fires by opening up these areas," she said.

She added that while pulp and paper or rubber plantations owners also used fire to clear land, the effects were not as severe as the burning of peat soil.

"When peat burns, it releases carbon-rich, sooty smoke that result in very bad haze, and the fires are very hard to put out.

"Fires on other types of land do not produce such choking smoke, and are usually easier to put out," she said


Update: June 26 10:40pm

Just think of what might happen if a lesser person than SBY is Indonesia's President. How likely is that? Very.