Press Releases

1. On Sunday, October 11, the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency relief goods (fire extinguishing agents) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in response to the request from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia concerning smoke pollution (haze) caused mainly by forest fires.

2. Since the middle of June, smoke damage caused by large-scale open field burning and forest fires in Sumatra and elsewhere in Indonesia has resulted in serious air pollution in the country and its neighbors. According to an announcement by local authorities (as of September 26), the number of those whose health has been affected by the smoke pollution in Indonesia has risen to 110,000. In addition, according to local reports, the pollution has resulted in fatalities, and it has also been reported that some consider it to be the worst smoke pollution in the country’s history.

3. The Government of Japan decided to provide emergency assistance from the humanitarian point of view for the victims, as well as in light of the friendly relationship between Japan and the Republic of Indonesia.