Indonesia is testing dry ice dispersal as a new strategy to address severe air pollution caused by extensive wildfires affecting the country and neighboring regions. Coordinating Security Minister Dudung Abdurachman announced that a Cessna aircraft would disperse 1.5 tons of dry ice over the South Sumatran city of Palembang, with the operation proceeding under direct presidential instruction. Officials indicated that if the trial proves successful, the technique could be expanded to other affected areas.
Since January, approximately 900,000 hectares have burned across Indonesia in what represents the worst fire season in more than a decade. Experts attribute the severity partly to this year’s powerful El Niño conditions and the continued practice of slash-and-burn land clearing for agricultural purposes, including palm oil production. The resulting toxic haze has blanketed millions of Indonesians for months, triggering a public health crisis with tens of thousands seeking treatment for respiratory illness. The government has faced mounting criticism, including a class action lawsuit filed for alleged negligence in its response to the crisis.
The smoke has extended far beyond Indonesia’s borders, affecting air quality in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. Singapore, which was among the world’s most polluted cities recently, activated medical subsidies for haze-related treatment and began distributing N95 masks to residents. Kuala Lumpur ranked as the second most polluted city globally. Timor-Leste announced school closures and urged families to limit children’s outdoor exposure.
Experts express skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of the dry ice approach. Researchers note that while the technique might provide localized temporary relief, weather systems continuously push smoke from east to west, meaning new pollution will continuously arrive in treated areas. Scientists emphasize that lasting solutions require addressing root causes rather than temporary mitigation measures, particularly as climate change intensifies fire seasons globally.
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