Dozens of Orangutans Saved From Indonesia Blazes as Region Grapples with Haze
Conservation groups say the blazes have driven a regional haze crisis and forced the rescue of dozens of endangered orangutans.
- Nusantara Atlas reported that fires consumed 1.92 million hectares in Indonesia between January and September 2026, a figure 38% higher than the same point in 2019. The burned area is nearly 12 times larger than London.
- A 'super-El Nino' weather phenomenon intensified this year's drought, while experts identify slash-and-burn land-clearing practices as a predictable, man-made driver. Fires are not purely natural but a result of deliberate industrial activity.
- Indonesia's Health Ministry recorded 314,124 acute respiratory illness cases since August 20, while aviation authorities reported 2,604 domestic flights disrupted since August 11. Visibility concerns forced widespread cancellations and logistical delays.
- Malaysia will deploy three aircraft and 52 personnel to assist Indonesia after President Prabowo Subianto initially rebuffed foreign aid. Authorities launched investigations into 98 corporate cases linked to the fires.
- During a Cabinet meeting Wednesday, Prabowo denounced 'countries that like to insult' Indonesia and vowed to reveal involved corporations. Critics demand systemic enforcement to prevent future environmental disasters.
134 Articles
134 Articles
Dramatic fires on Borneo and Indonesia have raged since the summer
Rescue forces in Indonesia are bringing more orangutans from burning forests to Borneo and Sumatra. For people, the smoke is also a great danger – also in neighbouring countries.
Indonesia’s haze crisis sparks regional tensions ahead of ASEAN summit
JAKARTA: The transboundary haze crisis caused by uncontrolled wildfires in Indonesia has triggered a fresh public dispute between Indonesian officials and politicians and their counterparts from Malaysia and Singapore over responsibility for the blazes and the role of foreign corporate interests.
Indonesia is experiencing a very intense fire season this year due to drought. Smoke from these fires is causing severe air pollution throughout the country and surrounding states. Models show that the smoke is covering a huge area and reaching Australia and Typhoon Champi.
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