started · updated
Indonesia wildfires drive world-leading carbon emissions
Indonesia is experiencing an intense wildfire season driven by a strong El Niño, which is expected to persist until early 2027. Data from the Copernicus Climate Monitoring Service indicates that between September 1 and September 7, 2026, wildfires in Indonesia emitted 19.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, accounting for more than one-third of the global total and surpassing Russia's emissions for that period.
The fires are concentrated in several priority provinces, including West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Riau, and South Sumatra. West Kalimantan has recorded the highest number of high-confidence hotspots. The resulting toxic haze has caused significant health risks and social disruption, forcing over 1.4 million students across the country into remote learning and causing schools to close in regions like South Sumatra.
In response, the Indonesian government and National Police have taken several actions. The National Police have identified 138 suspects for wildfire-related offenses, including intentional burning and negligence. Authorities are also testing new firefighting technologies, such as the X-Fire extinguishing liquid in Riau, and deploying aircraft for water-bombing and cloud-seeding operations. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has been inspecting response efforts in Kalimantan and South Kalimantan, emphasizing the need for simultaneous wildfire suppression and public healthcare support for affected communities.
Entities
Aliansi Merah Putih · Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation · Copernicus Climate Monitoring Service · Gibran Rakabuming Raka · Indonesia · Indonesian National Police · Kalimantan · Kalimantan Barat · Kementerian Kehutanan · Ketapang · Kuningan Regency Government · Ministry of Forestry
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Indonesia's fire emissions reached 19.7 million metric tons between September 1 and September 7. english.kontan.co.id · kagonma-info.com · stratnewsglobal.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities have deployed more than 50 aircraft for cloud-seeding and water-bombing operations. abc17news.com · krdo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The air quality index in Pontianak reached 394, exceeding the hazardous threshold of 300. english.kontan.co.id · kagonma-info.com · stratnewsglobal.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Indonesian fire emissions accounted for more than one-third of the global total during the first week of September. english.kontan.co.id · kagonma-info.com · stratnewsglobal.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 1.4 million students in affected areas have been forced into online learning. ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Over 23,000 fire hotspots have been detected by satellites in the last eight months. abc17news.com · krdo.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] President Prabowo Subianto ordered that forest fire management must ensure the safety of both the public and wildlife, specifically orangutans and elephants. en.tempo.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Forestry is implementing a call center system to accelerate the rescue of wildlife affected by fires.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Indonesian National Police have identified 138 suspects in wildfire cases, including 119 for intentional burning and 19 for negligence. prokalteng.jawapos.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 488 forest and land fire incidents occurred in Kepulauan Riau, totaling 792.25 hectares of burned land. www.hariankepri.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bintan Regency experienced 163 fire incidents covering 592.58 hectares. www.hariankepri.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Forest fires in the Gunung Buthak and Gunung Kawinajang areas have affected roughly 400 hectares of land. www.liputan6.com