Full Breakdown
Indonesia Defends Its Forests Amid Regional Haze Crisis
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Core Event: Indonesian Official Links Forests to Oxygen While Addressing Haze
On October 10, Syahganda Nainggolan, head of Indonesia’s Government Communications Agency (Bakom), told reporters at the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) in Jakarta that the forest and land fires spreading haze across Malaysia and Singapore are “beyond human error” and constitute a natural phenomenon. He added that Indonesia’s forests not only emit smoke but also supply oxygen to neighboring countries, saying, “We are not only sending smoke, but when there is no smoke, we send oxygen. Singapore’s and Malaysia’s oxygen comes from our forests.”
Background & Context: Recurring Transboundary Haze
Every year, forest and land fires—often on peatlands—in Indonesia generate smoke that drifts across borders, degrading air quality in Malaysia, Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. Environmental groups have highlighted land-clearing practices and inadequate fire-prevention measures as key drivers of these haze episodes.
Data & Statistics
- Air quality in Malaysia: On October 12, 22 of 68 monitoring stations recorded unhealthy API readings (Malay Mail).
- Singapore’s pollutant levels: The 24-hour PSI ranged from 106 to 148 on October 12, with the central region peaking at 192 on October 9.
- Johor, Malaysia: Pasir Gudang recorded the highest API at 190, with several districts above 175.
- Fire-fighting resources: Indonesia has deployed more than 60,000 personnel and 48 helicopters and aircraft for firefighting and weather-modification operations.
- School disruptions: Johor’s state government extended school closures to October 16, citing forecasts of wind-driven haze from Kalimantan.
Official Statements & Responses
- Indonesia: Syahganda emphasized the fires are a natural disaster and reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to maintain good relations with Malaysia while briefing both Malaysia and Singapore on containment efforts. President Prabowo Subianto urged a serious governmental response to all disasters, including the haze.
- Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan to discuss joint firefighting measures with his Indonesian counterpart. Mohamad expressed hope that negotiations on the deployment of Malaysian teams would be concluded quickly.
- Singapore: Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said Singapore stands ready to assist Indonesia, while the National Environment Agency continues to monitor fire hotspots and haze levels. No legal action under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act has been announced.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Malaysia: The worsening haze prompted the Johor Education and Information Committee to extend school closures, postpone assessments and shift to home-based learning where feasible. Residents in West Kalimantan have filed legal actions alleging governmental negligence in fire prevention.
- Singapore: The haze episode, which began on October 5, marks the longest stretch of unhealthy air quality this year, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) posing health risks, especially to children, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Indonesia’s officials describe the fires as a “natural phenomenon” beyond human control. Environmental NGOs attribute recurring haze to deliberate land-clearing, peatland vulnerability and insufficient fire-prevention policies. No definitive, independently verified cause has been confirmed for the October 2026 fires.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are not only sending smoke, but when there is no smoke, we send oxygen. Singapore’s and Malaysia’s oxygen comes from our forests,” — Syahganda, Bakom chief
- “I hope negotiations on the operation, including how and where the Malaysian team can help, can be concluded as soon as possible,” — Datuk Seri Mohamad, foreign minister
What’s Next
Discussions between Indonesia and Malaysia on the operational details of Malaysian firefighting teams remain ongoing, with no final agreement announced. Forecasts continue to predict haze persisting in mornings and evenings over the coming days.