Indonesia Faces Worst Smog in Seven Years Amid Massive Forest Fires on Sumatra and Kalimantan

Environmental News

According to УНІАН — Туризм: Indonesia is currently battling extensive forest and peatland fires, primarily on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, resulting in thick, orange-hued smog blanketing the region. This hazardous air pollution has severely reduced visibility and caused respiratory issues among local communities. The fire season marks the most severe outbreak since 2015. In parts of Central Kalimantan and the city of Palangkaraya, air pollution levels have soared well beyond safety thresholds. Many of these fires have been linked to commercial farmers using slash-and-burn methods to clear land for palm oil plantations.

The air quality crisis has reached critical levels, with over 270,000 respiratory illness cases reported across seven Indonesian provinces. Residents are struggling with breathing difficulties as dense smoke compromises visibility. The haze has not been confined to Indonesia alone; it has drifted into neighboring countries including Malaysia, Singapore, and East Timor. In response to the unhealthy conditions, schools in some areas of Malaysia and East Timor have been temporarily closed.

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered intensified efforts to combat the wildfires. According to Pantau Gambut, an organization monitoring peatlands, about 16 million hectares of Indonesia’s 24 million hectares of peatlands have become increasingly vulnerable to fires due to deforestation and land drainage.

The Appearance of a Rare Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Meanwhile, a rare sighting of a giant oceanic manta ray with an unusual white coloration was recorded in the waters around the Raja Ampat archipelago. Marine biologist Mark Erdmann, executive director of ReShark, observed this distinctive manta during a conservation cruise in March 2026. The expedition in Dampier Strait encountered a group of these massive rays feeding on krill.

Local resident Adinata shared, 'Yesterday, the sky was an intense yellow. Human activity has dropped significantly due to this situation. We hope for rain soon to alleviate the problem.'

The devastating fires in Indonesia highlight urgent environmental and social challenges requiring immediate action. The widespread air pollution not only poses serious health risks to Indonesians but also impacts neighboring nations, underscoring the need for regional cooperation. At the same time, discoveries like the rare oceanic manta ray emphasize the importance of protecting marine ecosystems despite the pressing environmental threats faced across the region.