World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Indonesian wildfire haze fuels tensions with Singapore and Malaysia
Wildfires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra regions sent smoke into Singapore and Malaysia, where the haze lasted for weeks.
The fires are a recurring problem linked to land clearing, and strong El Niño-driven drought made this year’s blazes harder to control.
People in both neighbouring countries reported breathing discomfort and other health effects, while the haze disrupted daily life, including children’s schooling in Malaysia.
Public frustration has increased, with some Malaysians calling for a boycott of Indonesian products and Singaporeans questioning their government’s response.
Tensions also rose after Indonesian officials dismissed complaints and Indonesia announced a cut in gas exports to Singapore, citing domestic energy needs.
Singapore and Indonesia’s leaders met in Jakarta after Singapore’s foreign minister visited, in a move described as an effort to ease tensions.
The two sides agreed to establish a mechanism, but the available details do not say what it will involve.
Wildfire haze from Indonesia has blanketed Singapore and Malaysia for weeks, causing health complaints and disrupting daily life.
The fires in Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra have intensified amid drought conditions worsened by a strong El Niño.
Public frustration has fueled calls in Malaysia for boycotts and diplomatic action, while Singapore has criticised Indonesian officials’ remarks about the fires.
Tensions rose after Indonesia announced a reduction in gas exports to Singapore, citing domestic energy needs.
Singapore’s foreign minister travelled to Jakarta last week for talks with Indonesian leaders.
- Who
- Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, including their governments and residents.
- What
- Indonesian wildfire haze has caused health concerns and regional diplomatic friction.
- When
- The haze has affected the region in recent weeks; the articles were published on 2 November 2026.
- Where
- Fires in Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra have sent haze to Singapore and Malaysia.
- Why
- The fires have been difficult to control amid drought worsened by a strong El Niño; the sources associate recurring Indonesian fires with industrial-scale land clearing.
Residents and officials in Singapore and Malaysia
Indonesian officials
Haze and responsibility
Residents and officials in Singapore and Malaysia
Residents and some officials say the haze is harmful and Indonesia should act against companies causing the fires.
Indonesian officials
An Indonesian official described the fires as a natural phenomenon and said the fires were beyond human control.
Public response
Residents and officials in Singapore and Malaysia
Some Malaysians have called for boycotts, sanctions or diplomatic action over the recurring haze.
Indonesian officials
The Malaysian government ruled out calls for legal action and diplomatic protests.
Regional relations
Residents and officials in Singapore and Malaysia
Singapore has said the haze seriously affects health and should be addressed without bilateral disputes.
Indonesian officials
Indonesian officials have criticised what they regard as disrespect toward Indonesia; Jakarta cited domestic energy needs for reducing gas exports to Singapore.
The haze peaked in Singapore, according to tutor Ow Tai Pang, and Indonesia’s communications agency head responded to complaints about the fires.
Indonesia announced a reduction in piped gas exports to Singapore, citing domestic energy needs.
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan visited Jakarta and met Indonesian officials and President Prabowo Subianto.
The BBC and ABC Australia published reports on the haze and the regional tensions.
- Fire regions
- Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra
- Affected neighbours
- Singapore and Malaysia
- Gas exports
- Indonesia announced a reduction in piped gas exports to Singapore; ABC reported it as about 8 per cent
- Singapore visitor
- Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan
- Reported health effects
- Respiratory illnesses, headaches, coughs and throat discomfort
3 sources
What people are saying
The haze is affecting our health seriously, and it's really unacceptable
People are fed up, angry and anxious
My frustration is directed at the recurring haze problem and the failure to resolve it, rather than at Indonesian people or their products
When there's no haze, we send oxygen