Wildfires in Tanjung Puting National Park

Forest and land fires in Indonesia, exacerbated by El Niño, have triggered a severe haze crisis across Southeast Asia, impacting air quality in Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste. The smoke has caused significant disruptions, including the cancellation or delay of approximately 2,458 domestic flights and the closure of schools in affected regions.

In South Sumatra, air quality has reached dangerous levels, with the Sukarami district recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 314. Health impacts are substantial, with over 74,000 respiratory infection cases reported in South Sumatra alone since mid-August. Additionally, the BMKG identified 1,644 hotspots in Southeast Sulawesi between October 7 and 12.

Conservation efforts continue to protect wildlife. Between August 6 and October 19, 51 orangutans were rescued in West Kalimantan, though the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry suggests the total number of rescued animals in Kalimantan could reach 96.

In response to the crisis, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar has launched humanitarian initiatives, including distributing clean water and establishing ‘Smoke-Free House’ facilities. President Prabowo Subianto has prioritized village-level prevention and requested an increase in forest police personnel, with the potential recruitment of 70,000 officers.

As of late October, the government has intensified legal enforcement. The Ministry of Forestry has imposed administrative sanctions on 32 companies linked to fires affecting 12,926 hectares. Furthermore, Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto reported that 98 corporate cases are currently under investigation. To manage peatland hydrology, ministers are working on strategic measures such as constructing canal blocks and water intake systems. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has called for improved health protections and medical checkups for frontline firefighters exposed to heavy smoke.