Prabowo orders tougher action on Indonesia fires; foreign offers to help tackle haze not discussed
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered intensified efforts to combat forest fires causing severe haze across the region. Despite offers of assistance from Singapore and Malaysia, the government has not yet formally discussed foreign aid.
Why it matters
The fires are causing significant public health issues and regional diplomatic tension regarding environmental management.
Indonesia is experiencing an unusually severe fire season, with prolonged heat and dryness exacerbated by a very strong El Nino.
Listen Summarise Prabowo Subianto ordered tougher action on Indonesia’s forest and land fires, especially in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra, as haze blankets the region. Foreign help from Singapore and Malaysia was not discussed at the Oct 12 meeting, though both countries had offered support and Indonesia said it appreciated their friendship. The fires have caused flight delays, school closures and 174,694 respiratory infections, while Indonesia plans more coordination, public awareness and peatland protection. AI generated
JAKARTA – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered more action to fight forest and land fires that have sent thick haze to Singapore and Malaysia, but offers of help from the two countries were not discussed at a meeting he chaired on Oct 12.
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