Indonesia’s haze crisis fuels lawsuits, protests and a class‑action suit as fires scorch over 1.9 million hectares
The Indonesian environmental group Walhi has flagged 21 Malaysian‑linked corporations in an Actor Mapping Analysis, while the named firms have rejected the allegations and say fires originated outside their concessions. Walhi says it will retain an international lawyer and is shaping legal arguments to pursue actions against Singaporean companies in an Indonesian court and to consider filings in Singapore. In West Kalimantan, a class‑action lawsuit is being heard that accuses President Prabowo Subianto and 26 officials of omission and seeks a declaration of national emergency, free health care and compensation for victims.
Across the country, students and other citizens have gathered in cities such as Palangkaraya and Jakarta, accusing the government of inaction over the fires and the resulting haze. The fires have burned more than 1.9 million hectares since July, raising serious health concerns.
Why it matters
The combined legal and public pressure highlights how the haze is affecting public health, livelihoods and regional relations.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTAll camps report the class-action lawsuit over the Kalimantan haze and describe the government's alleged negligence, but left-leaning coverage stresses accusations of "gross negligence" and calls for regional accountability, centrist coverage highlights the scale of the haze and health impacts, while right-leaning coverage focuses on the legal claims against officials and the government's response.
LEFT
Frames the lawsuit as proof of the government’s gross negligence and urges stronger regional and civil-society accountability.
CENTER
Frames the story around the severe haze episode, health consequences and the need for better preparedness and implementation.
The left emphasises
- "gross negligence"
- calls for ASEAN scrutiny and regional firefighting support
- students and civil groups demanding accountability
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- 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.
- Oct 23 Energy minister Bahlil announced a review of Indonesia's gas allocation, aiming to shift more supply toward local petrochemical use.
- Oct 25 Indonesia announced the cut in pipeline gas shipments to Singapore.
- Oct 27 Walhi released an Actor Mapping Analysis that names 21 Malaysian‑linked firms.
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