Indonesia’s Borneo and Sumatra Fires Reach “Super” El Niño Levels, Threatening Millions

For months, slash-and-burn clearing has ignited fires across Indonesia’s Borneo (Kalimantan) and Sumatra islands. Drained peatlands allow flames to burn underground for weeks, producing thick smoke that drifts across national borders. Satellite data from Nusantara Atlas shows that since January at least 895,657 hectares have burned nationwide— 34 % more than in 2019. Fire Emissions Watch, the European Union’s Copernicus-based portal, recorded 19.7 million metric tons of emissions in the first week of September, representing over one-third of the global total for that period. The phenomenon is being amplified by a “super” El Niño, which experts warn could push the peak of fires through September and into the November rainy season.

The Guardian

A health report released on 9 September indicated that wildfire-related respiratory cases had risen to 113,336, up from 50,891 on 1 September. Air-quality monitoring by the Swiss service IQAir showed hazardous conditions across central Kalimantan, with the AQI in Sampit reaching 1,142 on 10 September—well above the hazardous threshold of 300. The haze, termed “transboundary haze,” has spread to Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines, prompting mask advisories and indoor-stay recommendations in affected cities.

The Guardian

Indonesia’s environment ministry has opened investigations into 19 companies suspected of sparking the blazes and police have detained 113 individuals on arson suspicions. The government has deployed planes, helicopters, drones and military units to combat the fires. Malaysia has contributed three helicopters, an aircraft and 52 personnel, while Japan has sent additional helicopters and firefighting crews. Local initiatives include the “Power of Mama” female-firefighter team conducting daily surveillance and the “Rumah Oksigen” (Oxygen House) campaign delivering oxygen cylinders to residents and responders in West Kalimantan.

The Guardian

Malaysia’s government has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to review the 2003 transboundary haze agreement, citing the current crisis as evidence of inadequate regional mechanisms.

The Guardian

• “It’s trending far higher than 2019 or even 2023,” — David Gaveau

The Guardian

• “Ever since the haze hit, we haven’t opened our doors or windows in a long time. The wind carries smoke from the fires all the way to our porch. Ash and smoke seep directly into the house, and the conditions worsen at night,” — Ely Marlina, a 46-year-old schoolteacher and volunteer firefighter

The Guardian