Former Indonesian trade minister rebukes Malaysian criticism over haze and calls for targeted accountability
Former trade minister Muhammad Lutfi warned against blaming Malaysia for Indonesia's haze, urging accountability for specific companies and a single firefighter killed in the fires.
Muhammad Lutfi, former Indonesian trade minister under two presidents, responded to Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq's remarks on the regional haze, insisting the disaster should not become a publicity stunt. He emphasized that any company breaching regulations, whether based in Indonesia or Malaysia, must be held responsible, and highlighted the death of a firefighter during firefighting efforts. Lutfi pointed out that Malaysian palm-oil firms own large plantation areas in Indonesia and that past U.S. import bans targeted specific Malaysian producers over forced-labour allegations, but Indonesia has never condemned Malaysia as a whole.
He also challenged Syed Saddiq's suggestion to treat Malaysia as a sidelined ASEAN member, and called on Singapore to scrutinise its executives and corporations linked to Indonesian fire-related companies. The Singapore National Environment Agency announced notices to three additional Indonesian firms under its transboundary haze pollution law, bringing the total to ten.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights regional tensions over haze responsibility and the need for precise corporate accountability.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- Oct 1 President Prabowo Subianto has named Arrmanatha Nasir, known as Tata, to replace Sugiono as foreign minister amid a broader cabinet reshuffle.
- Oct 4 Arrmanatha Nasir was sworn in as foreign minister.
- Oct 8 Prime Minister Anwar said the worsening haze is a serious health risk and has asked President Prabowo to take action, while Malaysia ramps up cloud seeding.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 19 Student Alliance of Gadjah Mada University addressed ASEAN Secretary‑General urging scrutiny of Indonesia’s compliance and acceptance of regional firefighting support.
- Oct 19 Malaysia specified that it will provide three helicopters and 52 firefighters to support Indonesia’s fire‑fighting efforts.
- Oct 20 Indonesia’s BNPB and army chief launched a joint firefighting push in Central Kalimantan.
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