Indonesia Fires Burn 895,657 Hectares as El Niño Drives Hazardous Haze Across Southeast Asia
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 21
Indonesia Fires Burn 895,657 Hectares as El Niño Drives Hazardous Haze Across Southeast Asia
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 21
Summary
At least 895,657 hectares have burned across Indonesia since January, 34% above 2019 levels, with Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua among the worst-hit areas.
Dry conditions amplified by a “super” El Niño are worsening fires often started for illegal land clearing, especially on Peatlands where blazes can smolder underground for weeks and are hard to extinguish.
113,336 wildfire-related respiratory illness cases were recorded in affected provinces by Sept. 9, more than double from Sept. 1, while Sampit’s air quality index hit 1,142 on Sept. 10.
19.7 million metric tons of fire emissions in the first week of September accounted for more than a third of the global total, and smoke spread to Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines.
Indonesia is investigating 19 companies and has arrested 113 suspects, while deploying aircraft, drones and troops; experts warn fires could peak in September and last until November rains arrive.
Are corporate land grabs and ignored Indigenous rights the real fuel behind Indonesia's unstoppable 2026 mega-fires?
Could this unprecedented fire crisis permanently alter the climate and health of millions across the region?
Why are past peatland restoration efforts failing to stop toxic underground infernos from suffocating Southeast Asia?
Burning Through Boundaries: Indonesia’s 2026 Wildfire Disaster, Peatland Emissions, and the Southeast Asian Haze Crisis
Overview
In August–September 2026, Indonesia faced its worst wildfire crisis in over a decade, triggered by a powerful Super El Niño and widespread drought that dried out peatlands across 90% of the country. Human-driven land clearing fires quickly spiraled out of control, burning over 1.3 million hectares and creating thick toxic haze that blanketed Southeast Asia. Peatland fires smoldered underground, releasing massive greenhouse gas emissions and causing a surge in respiratory illnesses among millions. The crisis disrupted daily life, forced school closures in neighboring countries, and exposed the limits of regional cooperation. Long-term, the destruction of peatlands and forests threatens biodiversity, accelerates climate change, and highlights the urgent need for stronger restoration and enforcement efforts.