‘Fire after fire’: What Sumatra reveals about Indonesia’s recurring haze problem
Recurring wildfires in Sumatra, Indonesia, continue to cause transboundary haze and destroy local livelihoods despite government crackdowns. The article explores the persistent nature of these fires, which are often linked to land clearing for plantations, and the challenges in enforcing environmental regulations.
Why it matters
The haze problem represents a critical environmental and public health issue in Southeast Asia, illustrating the difficulty of balancing agricultural economic needs with climate and safety regulations.
Wildfires in Indonesia have caused transboundary haze and disrupted livelihoods in Sumatra. In the last of a three-part series, CNA looks at why the fires persist despite bans and crackdowns - and what it will take to stamp them out for good.
Salahuddin, 60, standing on what remain of his 4ha plantation in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, after it was ravaged by a wildfire. (Photo: CNA/Wisnu Agung Prasetyo)
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in