Indonesians rally against wildfires and haze, blaming government inaction
Protesters in several Indonesian cities demonstrated on Tuesday over persistent wildfires and hazardous haze, accusing President Prabowo Subianto's administration of failing to act.
On Tuesday, crowds gathered in Jakarta and other cities across Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi to protest the ongoing wildfire crisis and toxic haze that have plagued Indonesia for weeks. Organized by students, the demonstrations featured slogans accusing President Prabowo Subianto's government of incompetence and corruption, with calls for an emergency declaration. The fires have burned more than 1.9 million hectares since July, prompting the National Disaster Mitigation Agency to deploy over 60,000 firefighters and launch aerial water-bombing and cloud-seeding operations, though some aircraft have been grounded by haze conditions.
In Palangkaraya on Borneo, locals described worsening health, loss of income and rising prices, with families suffering persistent coughs and fatigue. Police detained six activists who hung Greenpeace banners on a central Jakarta monument, labeling the haze a national disaster. The crisis has also spread pollution to neighboring Malaysia and Singapore.
Why it matters
The protests highlight public frustration with the government's handling of a severe environmental and health emergency affecting millions.
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.
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