Joint Indonesia-Singapore Task Force Targets Forest-Fire Corporations Amid Worst Haze in a Decade

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir and Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan announced on Oct 27 that the two governments will create a joint task force to investigate and hold accountable companies linked to illegal forest and peat-land burning. The task force will coordinate information sharing, financial intelligence, cross-border evidence gathering and, where possible, asset recovery.

Channel News Asia - CNA

Transboundary haze from fires in western Indonesia has blanketed Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian cities for weeks. The fires, driven by slash-and-burn clearing for plantations and intensified by a strong El Niño-related dry season, have made 2026 the worst fire season in a decade. Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry recorded more than 2,020 km² burned between January and July, while satellite monitoring later put the total at approximately 1.92 million ha (about 19,200 km²) by the end of September.

Singapore and Indonesia set up a task force to combat haze from illegal burning

• Sep 22 – Fires first reported in Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) records.

Indonesia is increasing the number of cloud seeding aircraft to combat forest fires.

• Oct 1 – Arrmanatha Nasir appointed Indonesia’s foreign minister.

Jakarta Globe

• Oct 27 – Joint press conference in Jakarta; task-force agreement announced.

Channel News Asia - CNA

• Oct 26 – Indonesian Air Force reported cloud-seeding rains in South Sumatra.

Indonesia is increasing the number of cloud seeding aircraft to combat forest fires.

• Oct 30 (scheduled) – Cloud-seeding operations expected to continue in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra.

Indonesia is increasing the number of cloud seeding aircraft to combat forest fires.

• 71,000 ground personnel and 51 aerial units mobilised across priority provinces.

Indonesia is increasing the number of cloud seeding aircraft to combat forest fires.

• 15 aircraft conducting cloud-seeding operations on Borneo and Sumatra.

Indonesia is increasing the number of cloud seeding aircraft to combat forest fires.

• Singapore’s National Environment Agency has issued preventive-measure notices to 10 Indonesian firms and requested information from 10 Singapore-based firms under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.

The Straits Times

• Indonesian authorities have investigated hundreds of individuals and more than 50 corporations for fire-related violations, with several convictions.

Singapore, Indonesia to form task force to pursue firms linked to forest fires

Both ministers welcomed Singapore’s offer to share corporate data, describing it as a “valuable opportunity” to follow the money trail left by polluters. They also highlighted a new ministerial hotline to manage future differences.

Channel News Asia - CNA

• “Smoke can cross borders, so can money. That is why we must follow the money trail these companies have left behind. Singapore offered to share data on companies linked to the fires, which we welcome as a valuable opportunity,” — Arrmanatha Nasir, Indonesian foreign minister

Singapore and Indonesia set up a task force to combat haze from illegal burning

• “No border should shield those who profit from burning our forests,” — Arrmanatha Nasir, Indonesian foreign minister

The Straits Times

• “We will continue to keep channels of communication open, including through a hotline between the ministries” — Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore foreign minister

'Smoke can cross borders, so can money': S'pore, Indonesia to set up joint task force to investigate firms linked to forest fires

The haze has triggered health emergencies, school closures and aviation disruptions across the region. By targeting the financial networks behind illegal burning, the task force aims to create a deterrent effect that could reduce future fire incidents, protect vulnerable communities, and bolster ASEAN’s collective environmental resilience.

The Straits Times

Burned-area estimates vary: the Forestry Ministry cites 2,020 km², the Nusantara Atlas project reports 8,960 km² by August, and later satellite data suggest 1.92 million ha by September. No source provides the exact composition of the task force, its legal mandate, or a timeline for asset-recovery actions, leaving operational details unclear.

The Straits Times

• The ministerial hotline will be activated immediately to streamline bilateral communication.

Singapore, Indonesia Establish Joint Task Force on Forest Fires as Foreign Minister Balakrishnan Visits Jakarta to Ease Rifts

• Singapore will share corporate data with Indonesia as soon as practicable.

Singapore and Indonesia set up a task force to combat haze from illegal burning

• Cloud-seeding operations are scheduled to continue through Oct 30, contingent on atmospheric conditions.

Indonesia is increasing the number of cloud seeding aircraft to combat forest fires.

• Both governments have pledged to monitor the task force’s deterrence impact and report progress during the ASEAN chairmanship year.

Channel News Asia - CNA