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Indonesia forest fires trigger ecological terrorism proposal
Indonesia is facing a widespread surge in forest and land fires (karhutla), particularly across Kalimantan. As of September 19, 2026, the Ministry of Forestry reported 1,323 high-confidence hotspots nationwide, with Central Kalimantan accounting for 1,035 of these locations. In Samarinda, 198 incidents have been recorded between January and September 2026, with the Palaran district experiencing the highest number of cases and largest burned area.
The environmental crisis has led to hazardous air quality in several regions, with air pollution indices reaching dangerous levels in parts of Kalimantan. This has caused significant disruptions to transportation, including flight cancellations, and has raised concerns regarding economic stability and public health. Civil society groups are currently calling for the government to declare the situation a national disaster.
In response, President Prabowo Subianto has proposed classifying forest and land fires as ‘ecological terrorism’ to enable harsher legal sanctions. Law enforcement efforts are intensifying, with police having handled 219 cases and named 162 suspects as of mid-September. Authorities are also investigating potential corporate involvement in these environmental crimes. To prevent further escalation, local governments, such as in Bengkalis, are providing heavy machinery to assist residents in land clearing without the use of fire.
Entities
BNPB · Kalimantan · Kalimantan Selatan · Kalimantan Tengah · Kasmarni · Kementerian Kehutanan · Polri · Prabowo Subianto · Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia · Universitas Lambung Mangkurat · Walhi Kalimantan Tengah
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Samarinda recorded 198 forest and land fire incidents between January and September 20, 2026. mediaborneo.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Riau province reported zero high confidence hotspots during the latest monitoring period. halosemarang.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Haze caused the cancellation of 10 flights at Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangka Raya.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] As of September 16, 2026, police have handled 219 cases and named 162 suspects related to forest fires. news.republika.co.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Central Kalimantan recorded 1,035 high confidence hotspots. halosemarang.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Prabowo Subianto proposed classifying forest and land fires as 'ecological terrorism' to increase legal sanctions. minews.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nationally, 1,323 high confidence hotspots were detected as of September 19, 2026. halosemarang.id