Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Indonesia Calls for Tougher Sanctions as Wildfires Spread
Indonesia is dealing with very large forest and land fires.
The fires have been worsened by unusually dry weather linked to a strong El Niño.
Smoke has created unhealthy air in parts of Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
President Prabowo Subianto wants tougher punishments for anyone who starts fires to clear land.
He said corporations that break fire-safety rules should face criminal investigations.
He also wants local governments to end exceptions that let small farmers use fire on small plots.
Indonesia is using more than 50 aircraft to drop water and help make rain.
Japan has also sent helicopters to help fight the fires.
Officials warn that the fires could continue until early November because the rainy season may arrive late.
President Prabowo Subianto called for stricter laws and sanctions against people and corporations responsible for wildfires.
He urged regional governments to end exemptions allowing smallholders to clear small plots using fire.
Indonesia has deployed more than 50 aircraft for water bombing and cloud seeding operations.
Japan joined Indonesia’s firefighting efforts with three CH-47 Chinook helicopters after earlier flight delays.
Fires affected 202,000 hectares from January through July, while YKAN estimated another 600,000 hectares were damaged in August.
- Who
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesian authorities, corporations and individuals blamed for starting fires, and Japan’s firefighting teams.
- What
- Indonesia is battling widespread wildfires while pursuing stricter sanctions and expanded firefighting operations.
- When
- The fires had raged for weeks as of September 17; officials warned they could continue until early November.
- Where
- The worst-hit areas are Indonesia’s islands of Borneo and Sumatra, with haze also affecting Singapore and Malaysia.
- Why
- Dry conditions associated with a “super El Niño” have parched forests and fields, while slash-and-burn land clearing has also contributed to fires.
- Affected area, January-July
- 202,000 hectares, according to government data.
- Estimated August damage
- YKAN estimated that fires damaged another 600,000 hectares.
- Firefighting aircraft
- Indonesia deployed more than 50 aircraft for water bombing and cloud seeding.
- International assistance
- Japan joined water-bombing operations and sent more than three CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
- Expected fire duration
- Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni warned the fires could last until early November.
- Health impact
- Hazardous haze has been linked to a spike in respiratory illnesses.