Section A (Source-based Case Study) Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

Study the background information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

(a)

Study Source A.

Why do you think the artist drew this cartoon? Explain your answer, referring to details of the cartoon.
(b) Study Source B.

[5]

How useful is this source as evidence about the problems faced by the Indonesian government in battling haze? Explain your answer. [6]

(c)

Study Sources C and D.

How similar are these two sources? Explain your answer.

(d) Study Source E.

[7]

How far can you accept this source as evidence that the Indonesian government has been committed in battling the haze problem? Explain your answer.

[7]

How far has Indonesia been committed in battling the haze problem? BACKGROUND INFORMATION Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions. Since 1994, Singapore has to live with days and sometimes months of smoke blown over the forest fires in Indonesia. In 1997, when the Pollutants Standard Index (PSI) hit 226, visibility plummeted to a few hundred metres and haze related illnesses spiked. The haze also caused the economies of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia an estimated US$4.5 billion of business disruptions.

Singapore has provided daily satellites pictures of hot spots, half a dozen hand-held global positioning systems and lap-tops with satellite communications hardware to Indonesia. In 2006, Singapore also offered help with cloud seeding to induce rain and to help farmers with land clearing. In October 2006, news reported that Singapore Prime Minister expressed his disappointment over the recurring haze problem. President of Indonesia apologized to Singapore and Malaysia and announced that Indonesia was determined to prevent further forest fires in the future. Study the following sources to find out more about Indonesias commitment in battling the haze problem.

Source A:

A Singapore cartoonists view of the haze problem in 2006.

Source B:

A news report about Indonesia forest fires and haze published in The Straits Times, October 2006.

Lack of resources and an inadequate sense of urgency mean Indonesias regional authorities are simply not up to battling the forest fires blanketing the region in haze. Jakarta helps alert and inform regencies of hot spots using satellites images but will only step in when the problem becomes a national issue or haze spreads to a neighbouring countryPutting out fires on peatland requires the injection of water into the soil to cut out the fire source underground. But in one village in Central Kalimantan, the firefighting unit has just one water pump and 100 metres hose, and gets around on modified three-wheeled motorcycles. The five member fire-fighting units set up at village level work on budgets of six million rupiah (S$1000) a month, hardly enough to buy fuel and feed their personnel, let alone invest in specialist equipment.

Source C: View from a Deputy Political Editors view published in The Straits Times, November 2006. The Indonesian system does not appear to be operating at its most efficient: ineffective policing and enforcement of regulations; lack of equipments; prosecution only of some culprits; and a tendency to rely on nature waiting for the rains to douse the flames. Regional governments may recognize the enormity of the task Indonesia has had to deal with, which is why they continue to offer assistance and engage Jakarta on measures needed to deal with the problem. Indonesia ought to be aware, if it isnt already, that everyone at the receiving end of the haze has grown increasingly angry and tired of what they see as inaction on its part. The current government seems more aware than its recent predecessors of its responsibilities and appears to be more responsive. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos apology last month for the haze was both an unusual and brave move and provided the strongest indication that Indonesia was intent on making good on its promises this time round.

Source D: View from a research analyst at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Nanyang Technological University published in The Straits Times, October 2006.

The Indonesian governments slow response and lack of effort to address the issue has deterred its neighbours from offering financial assistance. While legislation outlawing the use of fire for land clearance has been established and satellite data indicates that a significant number of hot spots are located in private plantations, Indonesia has done little beyond that. The rate of prosecuting lawbreakers, especially in remote areas, is still slow, if not stagnant. While Indonesia said it will ratify the ASEAN agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, it did not specify a time frame and suggested action will occur once the Indonesian legislature agreed to it. Whether that may be a fact or merely a way to buy time, the result is the same hazier days to come.

Source E:

Comments made by Indonesia Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar

during a press interview in 2006.

In June, we had prepared a team of 2,000 fire-fighters, helicopters and other equipments to tackle forest fires. Until August, everything seemed to be under control, and we had expected it to begin raining in September. So I want to beg our neighbours to understand that its not lack of effort, it is the size of the problem that has made it tough. In the past week, the government has deployed thousands of people, including soldiers, to help fire brigades put out the flame. But they often lack equipment or water, especially in the remote areas.