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Unusually dry conditions and slash-and-burn land clearing have caused severe forest and land fires in Indonesia.
Indonesia is experiencing some of its most severe forest and land fires in more than a decade, intensified by unusually dry conditions and slash-and-burn practices used to clear land for agriculture, including palm oil plantations. Thick smoke has created hazardous haze across Indonesia and neighboring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Millions of people have been affected by school closures, disrupted businesses, poor air quality, and rising respiratory illnesses. The fires have created diplomatic tensions, particularly as Singapore considers prosecuting companies linked to Indonesian concessions and urges stronger regional cooperation. Indonesia has deployed firefighters, announced action against arsonists, and eventually accepted regional assistance, while public pressure grows for the government to declare a national disaster. Nearly 280,000 respiratory infections have been linked to the fires in Indonesia, including more than 60,000 cases among children under five, and four firefighters have died. Activists argue that authorities must address corporate responsibility and the root causes of land burning rather than focusing only on firefighting.
Unusually dry conditions and slash-and-burn land clearing have caused severe forest and land fires in Indonesia.
Smoke from the fires has spread across Southeast Asia, affecting millions through hazardous air pollution, school closures, business disruption, and respiratory illness.
Singapore and Malaysia have demanded stronger enforcement and accountability, while Singapore has considered prosecuting companies connected to Indonesian fires.
Indonesia has sent firefighters, announced a crackdown on arson, and accepted regional assistance, but faces pressure to declare a national disaster.
The fires have caused significant health impacts, including nearly 280,000 reported respiratory infections in Indonesia and the deaths of four firefighters.
Air pollution from fires that crosses national borders and affects neighboring countries.
A land-clearing method that uses fire to remove vegetation for farming or plantations.
An official designation that can unlock emergency funds, resources, and medical assistance for affected communities.
A government-granted area of land where a company is authorized to conduct activities such as plantation development.
Thick, unpleasant-smelling smoke and pollution produced by burning vegetation and land.
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