Indonesia Arrests 72 Amid Escalating Forest Fires and Haze Crisis

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Aug 24, 2026 ALN: Indonesian authorities have arrested 72 individuals suspected of igniting forest and peatland fires, as extensive blazes across central and western Indonesia have produced thick haze that has spread into neighboring Malaysia. This situation has escalated into a significant environmental crisis, with implications that reach far beyond national borders.

Indonesia has been grappling with widespread fires that have been exacerbated by an intensifying El Niño pattern and a prolonged dry season, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by the periodic warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, can lead to drier conditions in Southeast Asia. This year, its effects have been particularly pronounced, contributing to an increase in fire activity.

Mohammad Irhamni, the director of special crimes at the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency, stated that the suspects are being investigated in connection with 89 forest and land fire cases across five provinces on Borneo and four on Sumatra. The majority of those arrested are believed to have deliberately set fires to clear land for plantations, a practice that is often seen as a cost-effective method of land management despite its environmental consequences.

Investigators are currently examining financial records to ascertain whether any companies financed or ordered the burning. This could potentially broaden the scope of the investigation beyond the individuals already arrested. Irhamni emphasized the authorities' commitment to pursuing all those involved, stating, "We will not stop at the perpetrators on the ground. We will determine who benefited from these activities and who was ultimately behind them." The implications of these investigations could lead to significant legal repercussions for corporations and individuals alike, as the suspects could face hefty fines and prison sentences of up to 15 years.

Indonesia has a long history of struggling with forest and peatland fires, which are frequently linked to land clearing for agriculture and plantations. These fires not only devastate local ecosystems but also contribute to severe air pollution, resulting in cross-border haze that has repeatedly strained diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, particularly Malaysia and Singapore. The haze crisis has become a recurring issue, highlighting the need for more sustainable land management practices in the region.

Thousands of hotspots detected

Fires have blanketed parts of Borneo, with Indonesia’s Environment Ministry detecting more than 3,700 hotspots as of Sunday. The BNPB chief, Suharyanto, noted that fire activity had intensified in West, Central, and South Kalimantan, where peatlands can allow fires to continue burning underground even after flames at the surface appear to have been extinguished. This phenomenon makes extinguishing fires particularly challenging, as land that seems to be extinguished on the surface may still harbor smoldering embers beneath.

Suharyanto highlighted the importance of sufficient rainfall to rewet the peat and fully suppress the fires, indicating that without timely and adequate precipitation, the risk of re-ignition remains high. The situation in South Sumatra is similarly dire, with over 1,700 hotspots detected on the same day.

The resulting haze has severely reduced visibility in affected areas, with reports indicating visibility levels dropping to as low as 10 meters in some locations. This has raised safety concerns for both residents and travelers in these regions, prompting authorities to take immediate action.

In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have resumed cloud-seeding operations over Kalimantan, a method used to induce rainfall artificially. Additionally, they have deployed 30 helicopters for water-bombing and aerial patrol operations in the region, while another 22 helicopters are operating over Sumatra to assist in firefighting efforts.

Nearly 600 schools closed in Malaysia

The smoke generated from the Indonesian fires has also had a significant impact on neighboring Malaysia, particularly in the eastern state of Sarawak. The air quality in some districts has deteriorated to “very unhealthy” levels, prompting local authorities to take precautionary measures. One district recorded particularly alarming air quality readings on Friday, while eight others reported unhealthy levels.

The deteriorating air quality has led to the closure of nearly 600 schools in Sarawak, affecting approximately 200,000 students. This situation underscores the far-reaching implications of the forest fires, as the health and education of thousands of children are now at risk due to environmental mismanagement in neighboring Indonesia.

The haze crisis is not just an environmental issue; it poses serious public health risks, as exposure to particulate matter can lead to respiratory problems and other health complications. The ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for regional cooperation in addressing the causes of forest fires and implementing effective strategies to mitigate their impact.

As Indonesia continues to battle these fires, the focus on accountability for those responsible will be critical. The recent arrests may serve as a warning to others who engage in similar practices, but they also raise questions about the broader systemic issues that contribute to such environmental crises. Ensuring sustainable land use practices and strengthening enforcement of environmental regulations will be crucial in preventing future occurrences of this nature.