Indonesia steps up aerial operations to fight wildfires
Indonesia is intensifying firefighting efforts as wildfires across Sumatra and Borneo create hazardous haze conditions. Authorities have arrested 72 individuals and are investigating four companies for illegal land-clearing practices during a severe dry season.
Why it matters
The wildfires represent a significant environmental and public health crisis, with smoke pollution affecting neighboring countries and highlighting the impact of El Nino on regional climate stability.
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. --> Share
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia intensified its ground and aerial firefighting operations Monday as huge blazes in central and western regions scorched wide areas of forests and peatland, creating a choking haze that blanketed cities and crossed borders.
Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting some of the forest and peatland fires, while four companies are under investigation for allegedly using fire to clear land at low cost.
Emergency services have been battling fires driven by an intensifying El Nino pattern and a prolonged dry season, generating dense smoke that crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, according to the National Disaster Management Agency, or BNPB.
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