Indonesia: Six hotspots detected on Sumatra Island

Antara 5 May 15;

Pekanbaru (ANTARA News) - Six hotspots indicating forest and plantation fires were detected on Sumatra Island, according to the Pekanbaru Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.

Most of the hotspots were detected in Riau province by the Modis Terra and Aqua satellites, Head of the Pekanbaru Meteorology Station Sugarin said here on Tuesday.

In Riau province, two of the hotspots were detected in Pelalawan district, one in Bengkalis and one in Kampar.

Minister of Environmental Affairs and Forestry Siti Nurbaya was slated to visit Riau province on May 5 to monitor the efforts being undertaken to prevent forest fires predicted to reoccur in mid 2015.

The minister has frequently visited Riau province to discuss efforts to fight forest and plantation fires that have occurred repeatedly in the province over the last 17 years.

She suggested that acting governor of Riau Arsyadjuliandi extend the provinces forest fire emergency status that expired on March 31.
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR/A014)