- Forest fires are burning across Indonesian provinces, creating a haze that has crossed borders into Malaysia and Brunei.
- On Monday, Indonesia intensified its ground and aerial firefighting operations to combat the wildfires.
- President Prabowo surveyed the wildfires and pledged support, including additional water-bombing helicopters and oxygen supplies for firefighters.
- Malaysia reported unhealthy air quality in 20 areas and closed nearly 600 schools in Sarawak due to the haze.
- Indonesia has granted Malaysia permission for cloud-seeding operations along their shared border to combat the haze.
- The fires are part of a broader surge in wildfire activity across Indonesia this year, driven by drought, strong winds, and dry vegetation.
- Nearly 94,000 hectares (232,000 acres) were burned in July alone, highlighting the severity of the situation.
- The Transportation Ministry has authorized the use of 35 foreign-registered aircraft to support wildfire response operations.
- Fires are a regular problem during the dry season in Indonesia, often straining relations with neighboring countries.
Indonesia is battling severe forest fires across multiple provinces, exacerbated by a prolonged dry season and strong winds, leading to hazardous air quality that has affected Malaysia.14569
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that over 24,000 firefighters are deployed, yet many hot spots remain inaccessible.
Prabowo Subianto, the Defense Minister, emphasized the need for enhanced firefighting support, including additional water-bombing helicopters and military personnel to assist local authorities. He stated, “We will revoke all permits” for companies responsible for the fires, which have left Malaysian cities with the world’s worst air pollution.3
The Environment Ministry's satellite data revealed that South Sumatra has the highest number of hot spots at 1,429, followed by West Kalimantan with 1,226. In July alone, nearly 94,000 hectares (232,000 acres) were burned.7
To combat the crisis, Indonesia is also employing weather-modification techniques, deploying 30 aircraft for water-bombing and cloud-seeding operations. Malaysia has been granted permission to conduct cloud-seeding operations in Indonesian airspace to mitigate the haze.
As air quality deteriorates, nearly 600 schools in Sarawak, Malaysia, were closed last week, affecting about 200,000 students. The situation remains critical as both nations prepare for upcoming national celebrations amidst ongoing environmental challenges.
“South Sumatra leads with 1,429 hot spots, and nearly 94,000 hectares burned in July alone. Malaysia closed nearly 600 schools in Sarawak, affecting about 200,000 students, while 20 areas report unhealthy air quality.”
AP News
