Indonesia battles surge in forest fires as West Kalimantan hotspots nearly double on Monday (Aug 31)
Indonesia is facing a severe surge in forest fires, particularly in West Kalimantan, leading to hazardous air quality and respiratory health issues for millions. Authorities are investigating 42 companies for potential involvement in the fires as they struggle to contain the spreading flames.
Why it matters
The fires pose a significant public health crisis and environmental threat, highlighting the ongoing challenges of land management and corporate accountability in Southeast Asia.
JAKARTA (Bernama) -- Indonesia is battling a sharp surge in forest and land fires in parts of Kalimantan, with hotspots in West Kalimantan nearly doubling to 7,377 on Monday.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Acting Head of Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre Berton Panjaitan said hotspots in West Kalimantan surged by 3,553 to 7,377, while fire spots rose by 88 to 104 and visibility fell below one kilometre.
"In Central Kalimantan, hotspots declined by 147 to 5,244, but fire spots increased by 16 to 72, while in South Kalimantan, hotspots fell by 405 to 504, but fire spots rose by 33 to 55,” he told an online press conference on Monday.
In Sumatra, Berton said hotspots in South Sumatra increased by 209 to 1,013, while they declined significantly in Riau and Jambi. Fire spots also decreased across the three provinces.
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