Indonesia's raging wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and land clearing, have spread toxic haze across Southeast Asia, disrupting daily life and sparking protests demanding stronger government action.
The crisis has claimed lives, caused respiratory illnesses, and burned nearly 1.9 million hectares of land, prompting international concern and cross-border preventive measures.
Singapore’s iconic skyline is disappearing behind a thick blanket of haze. Air pollution has reached such alarming levels that the city topped Swiss air quality technology company IQAir’s live ranking of the world’s most polluted major cities. Across the border in Malaysia, schools have been forced to close as toxic haze spreads. But what is driving this worsening pollution crisis?
The answer lies in Indonesia, where forest and peatland fires are raging amid unusually dry conditions. As the haze spreads, protests have erupted across the country, with demonstrators demanding that the government declare the fires a national disaster and take stronger action to contain them.
The haze has spread across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and the Philippines, threatening public health and disrupting daily life.
The crisis has also claimed lives. Five people reportedly died while battling a wildfire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park on Indonesia’s Java island, while two others suffered severe burns. Strong winds and dry vegetation helped the flames spread rapidly.
The health toll is rising. Indonesian Health Ministry data cited by Reuters recorded more than 283,000 cases of respiratory illness across seven provinces by 13 October.
And the fires continue to spread. According to independent monitoring platform Nusantara Atlas, nearly 1.9 million hectares of land had burned by the end of September. These are independent estimates that have not been confirmed by the Indonesian government.
So, what is fuelling the fires?
A combination of land clearing and unusually dry conditions since June. Fires linked to agricultural expansion can spread into surrounding forests and peatlands.
Peatland fires are particularly dangerous. They burn through dried, carbon-rich soils, producing large amounts of smoke. They can smoulder underground for long periods, making them extremely difficult to extinguish.
A strong El Niño event is making conditions even drier, increasing the risk of fires and reducing the rainfall needed to bring them under control.
The crisis is now prompting action across borders.
On October 16, Singapore issued preventive notices to seven Indonesian companies linked to land where fires may have contributed to the haze. Three more companies were added on October 19, bringing the total to 10.
Indonesia has also agreed to accept assistance from neighbouring countries to tackle the fires, although operational arrangements have yet to be finalised.