Indonesia escalates firefighting efforts as Kalimantan haze reaches hazardous levels

Indonesian authorities have ramped up firefighting operations in Kalimantan as the situation deteriorates, with active fire points now reaching 3,540—nearly twelve times the hazardous benchmark of 300 that triggers health warnings and air quality alerts.

The spike in fire activity has resulted in dense haze blanketing the region, creating visibility issues and prompting health advisories for vulnerable populations. Regional meteorological agencies have attributed the surge to a combination of ongoing dry season conditions and land-clearing activities, with smoke spreading across borders to affect air quality in neighbouring jurisdictions.

In response, Indonesia has deployed additional personnel, equipment, and water-bombing aircraft to contain the fires. Provincial governments in Kalimantan have coordinated with military and civilian resources to target hotspots and prevent further expansion of burnt areas.

The situation underscores the recurring challenge Indonesia faces during dry seasons, when forest fires—often linked to agricultural expansion and land preparation—create transboundary air pollution affecting millions across South and Southeast Asia. Authorities have appealed to the public to report fire sightings and comply with land-use regulations.