World · Malaysia Bureau
Indonesia rejects haze criticism from Malaysia, Singapore
An Indonesian official has dismissed complaints from neighbouring countries over transboundary haze, arguing that Jakarta provides regional assistance when air quality deteriorates. The statement comes as the issue remains a perennial source of tension in Southeast Asia.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Syahganda Nainggolan, head of Indonesia's Communications Agency, has pushed back against criticism from Malaysia and Singapore regarding regional haze problems, contending that Indonesia offers support to affected nations during air quality crises.
Nainggolan's remarks represent Jakarta's latest response to longstanding complaints from neighbouring countries about transboundary smoke and haze, typically originating from land-clearing activities and forest fires in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan regions.
The official's defence underscores the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the haze issue, which has strained relations between Indonesia and its regional neighbours on multiple occasions. Malaysia and Singapore have repeatedly expressed frustration over the environmental impact of Indonesian fires on their air quality.
Indonesia has committed to various regional agreements aimed at addressing the haze problem, though enforcement and prevention efforts remain inconsistent. The issue resurfaces annually during dry seasons, prompting renewed calls for coordinated action across Southeast Asia.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenge of managing transboundary environmental issues in a region where industrial expansion and agricultural development frequently collide with air quality concerns.