Indonesia is experiencing its worst wildfire season in a decade, with hazardous air quality affecting residents across the region. The Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra have seen particularly intense smoke, with air conditions reaching dangerous levels. The haze has spread beyond Indonesia’s borders, impacting Singapore and Malaysia, where it has obscured skylines and prompted school closures in some areas.
An unusually strong El Niño weather pattern has intensified the annual dry season fires this year. According to monitoring data, over 1 million wildfire hotspots have been recorded in Indonesia, affecting approximately 900,000 hectares of land. Many fires stem from slash-and-burn agricultural practices used to clear vegetation and prepare soil for crops, though this method is illegal in Indonesia. While traditionally employed by farmers on smaller scales, the practice has expanded dramatically through commercial operations seeking to clear large tracts of land inexpensively.
Responding to the crisis, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called for stricter penalties against slash-and-burn farming, labeling it “ecological terrorism.” Recent enforcement actions include suspension of operating licenses for 26 companies linked to the wildfires. A Greenpeace report identified businesses from Singapore and Malaysia with connections to Indonesian lands experiencing wildfires, including First Resources and Kuala Lumpur Kepong. Both companies disputed the findings, stating they maintain anti-burning policies and fire prevention measures.
Regional tensions have emerged over responsibility and response efforts. Singapore’s 2015 attempt to prosecute Indonesian companies under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act drew objections from Jakarta over bilateral concerns. Recent comments from Indonesian officials suggesting neighboring countries benefit from Indonesia’s forests have triggered criticism from Malaysia and Singapore. Domestically, civil society groups have filed lawsuits demanding the government declare the haze a national disaster to enable recovery measures and healthcare support.
Residents in affected areas continue experiencing severe health impacts, with many unable to avoid the toxic air despite respiratory difficulties. Indonesian officials have acknowledged international assistance offers from neighboring countries, though formal international support has not been officially requested.
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