Indonesians Turn to Prayer as Massive Fires Spark Regional Haze Crisis
Wildfires have scorched over 1.9 million hectares in Indonesia, creating a haze that has sickened hundreds of thousands and spread to neighboring countries, while communities in East Java hold prayer gatherings for rain.
According to the Nusantara Atlas monitoring system, wildfires have consumed over 1.9 million hectares across Indonesia in the nine months to September, a number the authorities have neither confirmed nor denied. The haze generated by the blazes has afflicted hundreds of thousands with acute respiratory infections and travelled as far as Malaysia, Singapore, East Timor and the Philippines. In East Java, where the flames have devastated areas such as Mount Bromo and Baluran National Park, the governor urged residents to unite in prayer for rain; Islamic schools in Surabaya and a vocational high school in Malang organized collective supplications.
The severe fire season has already killed five firefighters in East Java and another in South Kalimantan, as well as a 51-year-old volunteer from the Mahatir Mohammad Zain Foundation. The crisis has sparked public demonstrations over the perceived slow governmental response and led to a legal case targeting President Prabowo Subianto and other officials in West Kalimantan.
Why it matters
The fires threaten health, environment and regional air quality, while highlighting governance challenges in Indonesia.
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.
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