Indonesia Intensifies Efforts to Extinguish Forest Fires Causing Haze

2026-10-10

Indonesian authorities are currently actively conducting operations to extinguish forest fires that are the main cause of the haze problem in the region, including in Malaysia. This firm step was taken following a worrying decline in air quality in several areas due to thick smoke crossing borders.

According to the latest reports, 555 hotspots have been detected in various locations across Indonesia. These hotspots are areas identified as having high temperatures and a significant risk of becoming the source of more widespread forest fires if not controlled immediately.

As a follow-up action, Indonesian authorities have launched investigations into 198 parties, including individuals and companies suspected of being involved in open burning activities. This strict legal action aims to ensure that those responsible face appropriate punishment to prevent recurring incidents.

In addition to investigations, fire and rescue teams in Indonesia are working tirelessly to extinguish fires in the affected areas. These efforts involve the use of air and land assets to ensure that the fires can be fully controlled before the haze situation worsens.

Cooperation between neighboring countries in the ASEAN region is crucial in addressing this transboundary haze issue. The public in Malaysia is advised to constantly monitor air quality through official channels and reduce outdoor activities if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading is at an unhealthy level.