Indonesian lawmaker urges national disaster status for forest fires

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  DPR Commission IV member Daniel Johan urged Indonesia’s government to declare the prolonged forest fires a national disaster.

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  The fires have affected various regions for three months, while thick haze has disrupted public activities, flights, health, schooling and the local economy.

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  Johan said the government’s efforts had not produced significant results and called for all available resources to be mobilized.

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  He also said foreign assistance was needed and asked President Prabowo Subianto to consider evacuating children, older people and other vulnerable residents.

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  On Monday, Prabowo convened ministers and agency heads to assess fire response efforts in Kalimantan and Sumatra.

Who

Daniel Johan, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission IV, urged the government to act.

What

He called for national disaster status for the forest fires and said foreign aid was necessary.

When

The fires had been occurring for three months as of October 12, 2026; Johan made his appeal on Monday.

Where

The fires affected various regions across Indonesia, including Kalimantan and Sumatra.

Why

Thick haze and the fires’ continuing effects had disrupted public activities, flights, health, schooling and the local economy.

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