Indonesian forest fires create haze that spreads across Southeast Asia

Thick smog has enveloped several regions of Indonesia as the country confronts a prolonged wave of forest fires that have scorched extensive areas of Borneo and Sumatra for weeks. Satellite data indicate that more than 1.2 million hectares of forest and peatland have been affected, with the majority of the burning concentrated in the provinces of Central Kalimantan, South Sumatra and Riau. Authorities attribute the blazes largely to illegal slash‑and‑burn agricultural practices, which have been exacerbated by a dry season and prevailing wind patterns that carry smoke across the archipelago and into neighboring nations.

Health officials have issued warnings about elevated particulate matter levels, urging residents to limit outdoor activity and to use masks where possible. The haze has also disrupted air travel, prompting temporary flight cancellations at several regional airports. In response, the Indonesian government has deployed thousands of firefighters, air‑drop water and fire‑retardant chemicals, and activated emergency funds to support affected communities. International partners, including neighboring Malaysia and Singapore, are monitoring the situation and have offered assistance. While containment efforts have achieved localized successes, officials caution that the smog is likely to persist until the fires are fully extinguished and seasonal rains return.