Indonesia battles forest fires across over 22,500 hectares
Indonesia is still fighting fires that affect roughly 22,595 ha of forest and land, with Central Kalimantan bearing the brunt.
Indonesia continues extensive firefighting operations on roughly 22,595 ha of forest and land, according to one outlet Disaster Management Agency. The area still under response as of Oct 22 includes 21,404 ha across six priority provinces on Sumatra and Kalimantan, and an additional 1,243.70 ha in other islands like Java, Sulawesi and Maluku. Central Kalimantan is the most affected, with about 16,097 ha, followed by smaller portions in South and West Kalimantan.
In Sumatra, South Sumatra accounts for about 2,050 ha, Jambi 379 ha, and Riau 2 ha. Firefighting resources total 71,878 personnel and 54 helicopters deployed to the six priority provinces. Police have logged 386 fire-related reports, involving 286 individual cases and 100 corporate cases, naming 243 people and 13 corporations as suspects, and have recommended revoking permits for 23 corporations.
Why it matters
Large-scale forest fires threaten Indonesia's environment, health, and economy, requiring massive resources and legal action.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- Oct 1 President Prabowo Subianto has named Arrmanatha Nasir, known as Tata, to replace Sugiono as foreign minister amid a broader cabinet reshuffle.
- Oct 4 Arrmanatha Nasir was sworn in as foreign minister.
- Oct 8 Prime Minister Anwar said the worsening haze is a serious health risk and has asked President Prabowo to take action, while Malaysia ramps up cloud seeding.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 19 Student Alliance of Gadjah Mada University addressed ASEAN Secretary‑General urging scrutiny of Indonesia’s compliance and acceptance of regional firefighting support.
- Oct 19 Malaysia specified that it will provide three helicopters and 52 firefighters to support Indonesia’s fire‑fighting efforts.
- Oct 20 Indonesia’s BNPB and army chief launched a joint firefighting push in Central Kalimantan.
- Oct 22 President Prabowo publicly blamed corporations and pledged to identify them.
- Oct 23 Malaysia said it will raise the haze issue with Indonesia at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
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