WALHI links 21 Malaysia-affiliated firms to Indonesia's 2026 forest fires
Indonesian NGO WALHI says 21 companies tied to Malaysian business groups were involved in forest and land fires across Indonesia from January to September 2026.
Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) released a study titled “Who Are Behind the Fires?” showing that 21 companies connected to Malaysian business groups operated in Indonesian concessions where satellite data recorded 30,927 hotspots between January and September 2026. Almost half of these hotspots fell within oil-palm and forestry concessions, especially in West Kalimantan (9,529 hotspots) and Central Kalimantan (7,141 hotspots).
The analysis also highlighted foreign ownership from Singapore, Hong Kong and offshore jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands and Samoa. WALHI argues the fires stem from structural issues within parent conglomerates rather than isolated negligence, and calls for permit reviews, administrative bans and possible revocation of concessions. Earlier, Greenpeace Indonesia and Pantau Gambut reported similar findings for 20 entities, including Malaysian and Singaporean firms. Malaysian government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil countered that cross-checks showed most fires occurred outside Malaysian-owned concessions.
Why it matters
The report links foreign-linked companies to widespread fires that worsen haze and health risks across Southeast Asia.
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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