Full Breakdown
Indonesia Steps Up Firefighting as Haze Threatens Neighbours
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Presidential Order (Oct 12)
On Oct 12 President Prabowo Subianto instructed the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to intensify firefighting operations in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra, ordering action “as soon as possible” to curb forest and land fires that have generated trans-boundary haze.
Background & Context
An unusually severe fire season, amplified by a strong El Niño, has produced extensive peatland burning across Sumatra and Kalimantan. As of Oct 9, 437 fire hotspots were recorded nationwide, with the highest concentrations in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra.
Data & Statistics
- Personnel: More than 60,000 responders deployed across six provinces; joint military-police teams can treat up to 692 ha per day.
- Aerial assets: 61 aircraft on standby; helicopters are limited by dense smoke.
- Health impact: The Health Ministry logged 174,694 acute respiratory infection cases between Aug 18 and Sep 21, and 277,075 cases in seven provinces as of Oct 12.
- Emissions: Fire Emissions Watch (EU Copernicus) reported Indonesia’s fires contributed nearly half of global fire emissions for a week in early October.
- Area burned: Official data last updated in July listed 202,000 ha burned; environmental group Auriga estimates 637,000 ha (Jan-Aug), while Nusantara Atlas cites almost 900,000 ha.
- Fire suppressant trial: On Oct 9 a Brazilian-developed powder (Realiza Anti Chamas) was sprayed in Banyuasin, South Sumatra; the supplier claims it is ten times more effective than water, though the claim is unverified.
Official Statements & Responses
President Prabowo framed the effort as a “top priority” and pledged all necessary resources. Coordinating Minister Dudung Abdurachman reiterated Indonesia’s capability to handle the situation and said foreign assistance from Malaysia and Singapore had not yet been discussed.
Forestry Ministry spokesman Ristianto Pribadi described offers from Malaysia and Singapore as a sign of friendship and regional cooperation. Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki said Prabowo has communicated with neighbouring leaders to strengthen joint fire-management actions and announced plans to create a National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency, potentially inaugurated within weeks.
Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said she had contacted Indonesian Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat to offer support. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reported a telephone conversation with Prabowo in which Indonesia agreed to take “necessary measures” to address the haze.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Health data: The Health Ministry’s figure of 174,694 cases (Aug 18-Sep 21) contrasts with the later tally of 277,075 cases as of Oct 12.
- Burned area: Official government data (202,000 ha) differs markedly from independent estimates (637,000 ha and ~900,000 ha).
- Foreign aid status: While Malaysia and Singapore have publicly offered aircraft, helicopters and personnel, Indonesian officials state that these offers have not been formally discussed, leaving the exact scope of cooperation unclear.
What’s Next
Indonesia plans to inaugurate the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency within the coming week and continue testing the Brazilian fire suppressant. Regional foreign ministers are scheduled to meet next month to address trans-boundary haze.