Indonesia faces criticism for haze response and online censorship amid massive wildfires
Indonesia is being condemned domestically and abroad for its handling of widespread wildfires and for suppressing online criticism of the response.
Indonesia’s approach to the ongoing haze crisis is drawing ire both at home and from neighboring countries, which accuse Jakarta of downplaying the severity of the fires and refusing external assistance. SAFEnet reports that authorities have flagged critical online content and asked platforms such as X and Meta to block it, a move the group says aims to improve the government’s image. The fires have turned the skies over Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua orange, prompting extensive coverage by international media and environmental activists.
According to Nusatara Atlas, roughly 1.47 million hectares of forest and peatland have burned so far, an area the size of Timor-Leste. Scientists attribute the intensity of the blazes to a strong El Niño-related drought, while also noting that illegal land-clearing and peat degradation for agriculture are major causes. The Communications and Digital Ministry has not commented on the allegations.
Why it matters
The haze affects health, agriculture and regional relations, while censorship raises concerns about freedom of expression.
How this story developed
- Sep 27 Sumatra forest fires blamed for worsening haze over Johor and nearby regions
- Sep 28 A coalition of civil society and indigenous groups has filed a class-action lawsuit accusing the Indonesian government of failing to prevent massive forest and peatland fires in West Kalimantan.
- Oct 5 The Department of Environment reported that Malaysia contributed only about 3% of fire hotspots detected by satellite in southern Southeast Asia, with most occurring in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra.
- 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 Kuala Lumpur and Singapore now record AQI levels that place them among the world’s most polluted major cities.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 13 Updated satellite data reveal further growth in Sumatra's fire hotspots.
- 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 15 Singapore’s health ministry announced subsidies limiting out‑of‑pocket costs for haze‑related illnesses.
- 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 16 Mask vending machines slated to be fully operational by Friday night
- Oct 18 ASEAN’s specialised meteorological centre triggered a Level 3 air‑quality alert for the southern region.
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