‘Everything is covered in ash’: Indonesia wildfires leave people in crisis
Wildfires in Indonesia's West Kalimantan region have forced school closures and created a health crisis for millions. President Prabowo Subianto has deployed emergency personnel and resources to combat the blazes, which are being described as some of the worst in years.
Why it matters
The fires pose a significant public health threat to millions of residents and highlight the ongoing challenges of managing environmental disasters in Southeast Asia.
The fires are severely impacting people’s health in West Kalimantan, with pregnant women and children among the most vulnerable.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Wildfires have blazed through West Kalimantan in Indonesia [Jessica Washington/Al Jazeera] By Jessica Washington and Syarina Hasibuan, Adi Guno Published On 27 Aug 2026 27 Aug 2026 Kubu Raya, Indonesia – As wildfires burn across Indonesia, forcing schools to close and thousands to seek medical treatment for exposure to thick haze and ash, locals in West Kalimantan say the situation is more serious than it has been in years.
“I have lived here for 15 years … I have never experienced a fire like this before. This is the first time something like this has happened,” Salma, a resident of Kubu Raya, tells Al Jazeera.
For nearly two weeks in the area, she said, fires grew and spread.
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