Pekanbaru, Riau, July 8 (Antarariau.com) - Environment activist institution Kaliptra has called on Riau Peat Restoration (TRGD) team to increase its performance to put out hotspots in the province in the run-up to the 18th Aisan Games 2018 next month.
Kaliptra director Romes Irawan Putra told Antara in Pekanbaru on Sunday that since its formation in 2017, the TRGD has not yet shown its achievement in restoring peatland in the province.
"TRGD is the hand extension of the national Peatland Restorantion Agency (BRG). Thus, it should understand the condition of Riau area. But we have not yet been able to see its performance," Putra said here on Sunday.
He said that based on his data this year, TRGD received a large budget amounting to Rp30 billion from the state budget in 2018. In 2017 it also received a fund of Rp15 billion.
Putra said it is a waste of money if the peat restoration efforts which should be made by TRGD but it is the BRG who has one much work in Riau.
Kaliptra has tried to work together with TGRD, especially in the mapping and restoration of peat lands which are prone to fires, he said.
"But we always face difficulties. When we asked the governor, we were referred to the regional secretary. If we asked the secretary, we were asked to met his assistant. So, we are questioning who the TRGD really is?" he said.
He said BRG had given high expectation to TGRD to handle the peatland problem in Riau, owing to the fact that in 2020, the task of the BRG which is directly responsible to the President will end.***4***
