Borneo's choking haze reaches hazardous levels, AQI spikes to 780, affecting millions
Air quality in parts of Borneo has surged to an AQI of 780, far above the hazardous threshold of 300, exposing millions to dangerous smoke.
The author recounts traveling to Jambi on Sumatra, where dense, yellowish fog obscured the sunrise and reduced visibility to almost nothing. Motorcycles appeared briefly like specters before vanishing into the haze. Measurements in Borneo show an air-quality index of 780, a level considered hazardous once it exceeds 300. The smog is linked to massive mining and deforestation that have dried out once-wet rainforests, fueling relentless forest fires.
Why it matters
The extreme haze threatens public health for millions and highlights the environmental impact of unchecked mining and deforestation.
How this story developed
- Sep 14 Kalimantan haze forces delays for 73 flights at Supadio Airport
- Sep 17 Indonesia broadened its wildfire‑containment operations to additional provinces and national parks.
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