President Prabowo berates countries that 'insult' Indonesia over wildfires

The fires consumed more than 1.9 million hectares across Indonesia during the nine months ending in September. That figure shows the disaster’s exceptional scale. The damage mattered beyond burned land because the fires produced toxic haze.

The haze pushed air pollution to dangerous levels in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste. Smoke from the fires affected people across national borders, creating a regional health crisis. ASEAN responded by calling a meeting over the emergency.

Nusantara Atlas, an independent monitor analysing satellite data, supplied the 1.9 million-hectare estimate. Experts say slash-and-burn land clearing and drained peatlands helped the fires spread, while severe El Nino drought intensified them. The continuing danger explains why regional cooperation and stronger fire prevention remain important, especially when pollution travels beyond one country’s borders.

Land can be cleared without fire by cutting vegetation mechanically, then chipping, composting, or leaving residues as mulch. Farmers can also harvest selectively, plant cover crops, and use grazing to control weeds. On peatlands, keeping water levels high prevents dry vegetation from becoming fuel.

In Indonesian peatlands, restoration projects block drainage canals and rewet the soil instead of burning it. Wet ground suppresses fires, protects carbon-rich peat, and supports crops suited to waterlogged conditions. Companies can combine this approach with no-burn rules, equipment, worker training, and rapid fire monitoring.

The article says slash-and-burn clearing destroys fire-resistant forest cover and drained peatlands, worsening fire risk. Nusantara Atlas reported more than 1.9 million hectares burned during the nine months ending September. These alternatives require investment, but they reduce toxic haze, protect health, and help companies avoid illegal fires and license cancellations.

Wildfire smoke crosses borders, turning a domestic disaster into a shared health and diplomatic crisis. Dangerous pollution affected Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste, creating pressure for cooperation while avoiding blame.

In this case, Indonesian fires sent toxic haze into neighboring countries. Slash-and-burn clearing, drained peatlands, and severe El Niño drought helped fires spread, so one country’s land management harmed millions elsewhere. ASEAN can provide a forum for sharing satellite data, coordinating firefighting and health measures, and discussing responsibility. The article does not describe specific enforcement powers.

The scale is substantial: Nusantara Atlas reported over 1.9 million hectares burned during nine months to September. ASEAN’s meeting can help align investigations, emergency assistance, and prevention efforts. Indonesia’s president said companies responsible could lose their licenses, showing how national enforcement complements regional coordination.