Indonesia faces multiple land fires and waste management crises

Indonesia is facing multiple environmental crises involving land fires and waste management issues. In Bogor, a massive fire at the Galuga landfill (TPA Galuga) affected approximately 42 hectares. Following the incident, authorities coordinated to reopen the site for waste disposal, allowing 128 trucks from Bogor City to resume operations while ensuring access for fire suppression teams.

Simultaneously, forest and land fires have re-emerged in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area. Fires near Bukit Pengol and the Teletubbies Hill have been exacerbated by strong winds and dry vegetation, prompting joint task forces to monitor and localize the flames.

In Kalimantan, air pollution has reached dangerous levels due to ongoing forest fires, with the Kotawaringin Timur Regency reporting an Air Pollution Index (ISPU) exceeding 1,000. The Ministry of Environment has advised residents to avoid outdoor activities.

Addressing the broader systemic issue, the environmental organization WALHI reported that at least 15 landfills across Indonesia have experienced fires in 2026. WALHI is urging an end to the ‘open dumping’ method, noting that approximately 60.7 percent of Indonesia's 312 landfills still utilize this practice, contributing significantly to methane emissions.