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Indonesia forest fires trigger regional haze and health crisis
Severe forest and land fires in Indonesia have triggered a regional health and transport crisis, with thick haze spreading across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and into neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. The Indonesian Ministry of Health has reported 277,075 cases of acute respiratory infection (ISPA) across 63 districts in seven provinces, with 62,400 cases affecting children aged 0-5.
Transportation has been heavily disrupted, with 1,813 flights impacted due to reduced visibility between August and October 2026. Major airports, including Tjilik Riwut in Palangka Raya and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II in Palembang, have faced operational challenges. In Malaysia, toxic haze has led to school closures in states such as Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Sabah.
In response, the Indonesian government is implementing weather modification operations (OMC) to induce rain, utilizing aircraft from Banjarmasin due to poor visibility at local airports. Law enforcement has also intensified, with Polri naming 223 individual suspects and nine corporations in connection with the fires, which have burned over 25,600 hectares. The Ministry of Forestry is pursuing criminal and administrative actions against dozens of companies.
Entities
BNPB · Dudung Abdurachman · Gerakan Nurani Bangsa · Greenpeace Indonesia · Indonesia · Indonesian National Police · Kalimantan · Kementerian Kesehatan RI · Kementerian Perhubungan · Komnas HAM · MIND ID · Malaysia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Areas with an API above 150 for three consecutive days must also close. cj.my
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Childcare centers (TASKA) in Johor will remain operational, though outdoor activities are suspended. www.mynewshub.tv
- [● 4 SOURCES] The implementation of the Year 4 Learning Matrix (MPT4) and Special School Admission Assessment (PKSK) in Johor has been postponed.
- [● 4 SOURCES] During school closures, teachers and staff are permitted to work from home while students transition to home-based learning (PdPR). cj.my
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pasir Gudang in Johor recorded one of the highest Air Pollutant Index readings at 190. cj.my
- [DISPUTED] The Johor state government has extended school closures for five days, from 12 to 16 October 2026, due to haze. www.mynewshub.tv
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Schools under the ministry in areas with an Air Pollutant Index (API) above 180 must close. cj.my
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Education has instructed State Education Directors to establish Haze Monitoring Task Forces to monitor daily Air Pollutant Index readings. dayakdaily.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The fires are spread across six provinces, primarily in Kalimantan and Sumatra.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Of these, 272 animals were handled in four provinces in Borneo, including 96 orangutans.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Subsidized medical costs are capped at S$10 for eligible citizens at participating clinics.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The operation took place in the Gambut district of Banjar Regency. news.harianjogja.com