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[INTERNATIONAL] · Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei · 5 sources

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Part of situation: Southeast Asian transboundary haze crisis fluctuates (65 clusters)

Indonesia forest fires trigger regional haze and transboundary pollution risks

forest fires transboundary haze PM2.5 pollution Kalimantan Southeast Asia

Forest fires and increasing hotspots in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan, are driving significant environmental and health concerns across Southeast Asia. Data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) indicates that Indonesia recorded 14,422 hotspots in September 2026, with Kalimantan accounting for 76.8 percent of the total.

Scientific modeling by Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) suggests that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from these fires is likely to spread to neighboring countries, creating transboundary pollution. In Sarawak, officials have called on Indonesian authorities to take stricter legal action against those responsible for open burning to prevent further haze that threatens public health and wildlife, including orangutan populations.

The regional haze also presents economic risks. MBSB Research noted that the surge in hotspots tests the sustainability and ESG management of the plantation sector, especially regarding peatland management. Meanwhile, in areas like Sampit, local organizations have begun distributing masks and logistics to support residents and volunteers facing deteriorating air quality.

Entities

ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre · Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional · Indonesia · Kalimantan · MBSB Research · Ministry of Forestry Indonesia · NASA · Sarawak

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Increased hotspots and haze pose risks to the plantation sector, specifically regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability. berita.rtm.gov.my
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from Indonesian forest fires has the potential to spread across Southeast Asia due to wind patterns. ulasan.co
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Indonesia recorded 14,422 hotspots in September 2026, with Kalimantan accounting for 76.8 percent of them. berita.rtm.gov.my
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Sarawakian official Datuk Snowdan Lawan urged Indonesian authorities to take legal action against individuals responsible for open burning rather than blaming wind patterns. www.tvsarawak.my

Sources

Partikel Halus Akibat Karhutla Indonesia Berpotensi Menyebar ke Asia Tenggara, Ini Penjelasan BRIN - Ulasan. co [ulasan.co]
Jerebu serantau tambah risiko kepada sektor perladangan [berita.rtm.gov.my]
Karhutla Selimuti Sampit, PAN Kotim Bagikan 4. 000 Masker dan Salurkan Bantuan Logistik [prokalteng.jawapos.com]
Hotspot Karhutla Indonesia Naik Jadi 1. 271 Titik, Kalteng Tertinggi [news.harianjogja.com]
Indonesia digesa ambil tindakan cegah kebakaran - TVS [www.tvsarawak.my]