World · Malaysia Bureau
Indonesia's burned land doubles as forest fires intensify in September
Indonesia's cumulative burned area more than doubled in September, reaching 1.92 million hectares as widespread forest fires swept across the archipelago. The dramatic surge from 895,650 hectares in August underscores the severity of the ongoing fire crisis.
LSN Malaysia ·
Indonesia faced an escalating environmental crisis in September as forest fires consumed vast tracts of land across the country, with official data revealing a sharp acceleration in the rate of destruction.
The cumulative burned area jumped from 895,650 hectares recorded in August to 1.92 million hectares by the end of September, more than doubling in a single month. The surge reflects the intensity and spread of fires during what is typically Indonesia's peak burning season.
The fires have raised concerns about their environmental impact, including deforestation, habitat loss, and potential effects on air quality across the region. Peatlands, which store significant carbon reserves, are particularly vulnerable to burning and can sustain fires for extended periods.
Indonesia has faced recurring fire crises linked to land-clearing practices for agriculture and palm oil plantations, combined with dry weather conditions that create ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly. The September figures underscore the ongoing challenge authorities face in managing and preventing large-scale burning across the diverse landscapes of Southeast Asia's largest archipelago.