Indonesia’s Prabowo mulls labelling wildfires as ‘ecological terrorism’
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is considering classifying wildfires caused by slash-and-burn methods as 'ecological terrorism' due to their severe impact. The country is experiencing its most intense wildfires in 11 years, exacerbated by El Nino, leading to widespread haze, respiratory illnesses, and transboundary pollution affecting Singapore and Malaysia. Prabowo has called for stricter laws, criminal investigations against corporations, and the abolition of smallholder fire exemptions.
Why it matters
This potential reclassification highlights the severity of environmental crimes and could lead to much harsher penalties, setting a precedent for how nations address large-scale ecological destruction. The ongoing wildfires have significant public health, environmental, and diplomatic consequences across Southeast Asia.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called for stricter regulations and sanctions against those who use slash and burn methods to clear land, as the country struggles to contain wildfires that have been raging for weeks.
Indonesia is battling its most intense wildfires in 11 years, with “super El Nino” weather parching the country’s forests and fields. The islands of Borneo and Sumatra have been the worst hit, with the hazardous haze causing a spike in respiratory illnesses.
Transboundary pollution has also caused unhealthy air conditions in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia.
Prabowo, in a meeting with his cabinet, said there will be zero tolerance for people or corporations found responsible for starting wildfires.
“I have asked the state secretary and the minister of law to look into this further, specifically regarding legal sanctions,” he said.
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