In brief
Indonesia’s recent wildfires have released carbon‑rich smog that has spread across the Pacific, causing a spike in respiratory illnesses in the country and neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. Health officials report more than 175,000 cases since August due to the airborne pollutants. Government agencies are tightening fire‑fighting resources and urging the public to use masks and stay indoors. The situation highlights a growing regional air‑quality crisis linked to increased wildfire activity worldwide.
On the back of a massive peat‑land fire in Java and Sumatra, thousands of people in Indonesia are reporting breathing problems, fatigue, and coughs. The raging blaze is powering a toxic haze that carries fine particulate matter and a cocktail of pollutants high into the atmosphere.
Local health authorities have confirmed more than 175,000 new respiratory‑related cases since August. Many of the victims are residents of Jakarta, Bali, Riau, Rembang, and other affected provinces who have had to rely on air‑purification masks and avoid outdoor activity.
The haze has crossed borders, unsettling air‑quality readings in Malaysia and Singapore. In the capital of each country, the government issued warnings for citizens to stay indoors until the smog clears.
BBC correspondent Liza Tambunan explained how the burning peat releases dangerous chemicals that linger for months. She highlighted that peat‑land is the main culprit in Indonesia’s wildfire problem, as it burns slowly and emits carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other near‑air‑quality‑hazards.
The Indonesian government has stepped up firefighting resources, deploying helicopters and reinforcing drought‑control measures. Yet scientists say a long‑term solution also requires re‑forestation and stricter land‑use policies.
Interactive Map: Check the live Air Quality Index map here to see how smog levels change each day.
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