Indonesian governor's Singapore trip adds fury to forest fire, haze crisis

• Governor Rudy Mas'ud traveled to Singapore for a medical check-up.
• Photographs of Mas'ud at Marina Bay Sands on Sunday, October 11, 2026, drew criticism.
• Schools in Balikpapan shortened lessons due to deteriorating air quality.
• 127 land fires affecting 81 hectares were recorded in Balikpapan from January to October 12, 2026.

East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud faced public scrutiny after photographs surfaced showing him in Singapore while his province grappled with severe forest fires and choking haze. Mas'ud stated he was in Singapore for a routine medical check-up, not a holiday, and that the trip had received verbal approval from the Home Affairs Minister.

Photographs of Mas'ud and his wife at Marina Bay Sands on Sunday, October 11, 2026, were posted online, coinciding with Singapore's Formula 1 weekend. His presence drew criticism from Indonesian social media users who urged Singaporeans to confront him.

Authorities recorded 127 land fires affecting approximately 81 hectares in Balikpapan between January and October 12, 2026. The fires have caused deteriorating air quality, leading to shortened school lessons. The haze has also spread to neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia.