Key facts
- Air quality in Central Kalimantan has exceeded hazardous levels.
- 1,043,377 wildfire hotspots recorded in Indonesia.
- 26 companies linked to wildfires had operating licenses suspended.
A severe wildfire season in Indonesia has caused a toxic haze to blanket Southeast Asia, prompting calls for regional governments to take action. Air quality in parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra has reached hazardous levels, affecting millions and drifting to neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia. Kristaen Albert, a software engineer in Central Kalimantan, described the air as "dusty amber" and noted its impact on his breathing and work.
Activists and government investigations accuse some companies of using fire for land clearing, a practice known as "slash and burn," which is illegal but difficult to enforce. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has labeled the practice "ecological terrorism" and called for tougher sanctions. Authorities have suspended the operating licenses of 26 companies linked to the wildfires and launched investigations.
Companies based in Singapore and Malaysia have also been implicated. A Greenpeace report identified First Resources, a Singapore-based palm oil company, and Malaysian plantation group Kuala Lumpur Kepong as being linked to land where wildfires have occurred. Both companies stated they maintain strict zero-burning policies.