Philippine capital’s ‘acutely unhealthy’ air due to Indonesian haze spurs warnings

Indonesia has intensified its firefighting efforts, deploying ground and aerial operations to combat widespread forest and peatland fires across central and western regions. These fires, exacerbated by an intensifying El Nino and a prolonged dry season, have scorched thousands of hectares, creating a choking haze that has spread to Malaysia and Brunei. President Prabowo Subianto visited affected areas, pledging government support, including additional water-bombing helicopters. The Transportation Ministry has authorized 35 foreign aircraft for firefighting missions. Satellite data indicates South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan have the highest number of hot spots. The fires, a recurring issue during the dry season, impact visibility, transportation, and public health, with Malaysia's Sarawak state experiencing significant disruptions, including school closures.

Indonesia is actively addressing significant wildfires in South Sumatra that are generating hazardous haze. The country has implemented emergency measures to combat the ongoing fires. In addition to these practical steps, prayers are also being deployed as part of the response. The situation highlights a critical environmental challenge affecting the region.

Indonesia is experiencing massive forest and land fires that are causing haze to spread to Malaysia. President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to take strong action against large corporations found responsible for the blazes. He stated that guilty parties will be penalized according to the law. President Prabowo visited West and Central Kalimantan over the weekend to personally assess the damage and meet with local officials coordinating the emergency response. This renewed commitment aims to address the persistent issue of land fires and hold accountable those responsible.

Indonesian authorities are warning of legal action against those starting open fires as widespread blazes on Borneo and other areas create severe haze. The fires, concentrated on Borneo, have significantly reduced visibility in parts of Kalimantan, causing traffic accidents and flight delays. An intensifying El Nino and dry season are contributing factors. The smoke has drifted into Malaysia, particularly affecting Sarawak, where air quality is unhealthy, leading to the closure of nearly 600 schools and impacting approximately 200,000 students. Indonesian police have detained 12 suspects for alleged arson and illegal land clearing, and officials have vowed strict legal action against offenders. Over 11,900 hot spots were detected nationwide in a 24-hour period, with over 285,000 hectares burned this year.

Air quality in Malaysia's Bornean state of Sarawak has reached hazardous levels due to smoke from Indonesian wildfires. The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Serian, Sarawak, which is closest to Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, recorded a high of 476 on Monday morning. Other districts in Sarawak, including Kuching, Samarahan, and Sri Aman, also reported API readings above 300. These elevated pollution levels are a direct result of forest fires in Indonesia causing smoke to drift across the border into Malaysia.

Indonesia is experiencing severe haze from intensifying fires in Kalimantan, with tens of thousands of acres burned, including rainforest. This is causing a trans-boundary haze affecting Malaysia and Singapore, leading to increased respiratory issues and school closures. The fires, often linked to land clearing for plantations, are exacerbated by a super El Niño. Authorities have ordered the revocation of corporate permits and arrested individuals suspected of starting fires. Experts warn that degraded peatlands, drained for plantations, make fires harder to control and produce thick smoke. The Indonesian president has pledged resources to contain the blazes, but frustration remains over perceived inaction against involved companies.

In South Sumatra, Indonesia, approximately 3,000 residents gathered for a special Islamic prayer for rain, known as "salat istisqa," to combat widespread wildfires. The province has the highest number of wildfire hot spots nationwide, contributing to a choking haze that has blanketed cities. This spiritual measure is being undertaken alongside ongoing firefighting and drought-mitigation efforts, including weather-modification operations and water-bombing. Authorities have arrested 72 individuals suspected of starting fires, and four companies are under investigation. The fires, exacerbated by a prolonged dry season and El Nino, are a recurring problem in Indonesia, often caused by land-clearing practices.