El Nino gets blamed: but Indonesian inertia is equally responsible for fires

Article Abstract:

Fires started by slash and burn farming methods in Indonesia, which spread to encompass peat bogs in Kalimantan and East Sumatra, have been especially disastrous in 1997 because of the effects of El Nino, the drought-inducing weather phenomenon. Experts warn that El Nino's effects in 1998 could be worse and that prevention of another air pollution disaster will require tougher enforcement of forestry and land-clearance regulations. Companies clearing land for new palm-oil plantations are being blamed for the fires, while swamp drainage in Central Kalimantan has also compounded the problem. However, the Indonesian government's lack of coordinated action is seen as equally responsible.

Causes of, Cover Story, Environmental aspects, Pollution, El Nino, El Nino Current, Fires, Southeast Asia, Air pollution, Smog

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Slow boat to oblivion: foreign competition swamps Indonesian shipping

Article Abstract:

Due to increased competition, reduced rates and crippling bureaucracy, the Indonesian shipping industry has lost market share on inter-island routes, as well as international routes. In five years, the market share of Indonesian ships on inter-island domestic routes dropped from 71% to 51%. As of 1994, foreign ships had gained control of 96.8% of Indonesia's imports and exports. In addition to bureaucracy and taxes, Indonesian shipping companies have been faced with high interest rates and aging ships that make becoming competitive with foreign shippers difficult.

Deep sea foreign trans. of freight, Deep Sea Freight Transportation, Merchant Ships, Shipping industry

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Sympathetic ear: Libyan foreign minister gets a hearing in Manila

Article Abstract:

Libyan foreign minister Omar Mustafa Al-Muntasir journeyed to the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia in what was probably an effort to end Libya's diplomatic isolation. However, Muntasir disavowed any intention of persuading the Philippines to call for the end of UN sanctions against Libya, imposed because Libya refused to hand over suspects in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Scotland. Muntasir and Philippine Pres Fidel Ramos did discuss Libya's contributions to resolving the problem of Muslim self-determination in the Philippines.

Philippines, Philippine foreign relations, Libya, Libyan foreign relations

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