AGP Executive Report

Indonesia’s Haze Crisis: Forest and land fires have driven 283,270 acute respiratory infection cases in affected areas since Aug. 18, while smoke has disrupted communities across Southeast Asia. Four people died fighting a wildfire in Mount Bromo National Park, and two were badly burned. Accountability and Response: Singapore has issued preventive notices to seven Indonesian firms linked to fires, ordering them to stop burning and strengthen firefighting; fines or charges are under consideration. Indonesia is testing a fire-suppressing gel, but it remains unclear whether it can reach deep-burning peat fires. Johor is urging ASEAN to meet on stronger prevention and hotspot monitoring. Climate Pressure: El Niño-linked drought is worsening fire conditions. New research warns extreme El Niños may become more common without rapid emissions cuts, while earlier net zero could limit their frequency.

Haze and Accountability: Singapore has issued preventive notices to seven Indonesian companies over fires suspected of sending smoke across the region, ordering firefighting and action plans; authorities say fines or prosecution remain possible. Human Toll: Four people died and two were badly burned battling a wildfire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Fires and smoke have also driven a surge in respiratory illness: Indonesia recorded 66,605 acute respiratory infection cases among children under five in six affected regions. Wildlife Under Threat: A West Kalimantan rescue centre is now caring for 90 orangutans after taking in 49 since August as fires consume habitat and threaten food supplies. Regional Response: Analysts are urging Indonesia and its neighbours to coordinate fire prevention, share information and tackle land-clearing practices as haze worsens across Southeast Asia.

Wildfire Emergency: Fires burning across Sumatra and Borneo since July have brought hazardous haze to the region, with El Niño-driven dryness raising fears they could continue into November. Timor-Leste closed schools, while air quality reached dangerous levels in parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. Wildlife at Risk: A West Kalimantan rescue centre is now caring for 90 orangutans after taking in 49 since August; fires are destroying habitat and threatening food supplies for the critically endangered apes. Accountability: Indonesian police have named nine palm oil firms as suspects in forest fires, as corporate probes expand. Singapore is reviewing haze data and keeping possible legal action open. Fire Response: President Prabowo has approved neighbouring countries’ assistance, with technical plans underway. Indonesia says more than 60,000 personnel have been deployed, while officials are also trying dry ice to tackle the smoke.

Wildfire Emergency: Peat and forest fires have turned skies orange across Sumatra and Kalimantan, spreading hazardous haze to neighbouring countries. Indonesia recorded 277,075 respiratory illness cases by Oct. 12 and deployed 2,106 health workers. Accountability and Response: Police say 92 of 97 fire reports have reached formal investigation, with companies under scrutiny. The new disaster mitigation chief will assess foreign aid as authorities test dry ice to disperse haze. Regional Fallout: Malaysia is pursuing diplomacy and ASEAN coordination, while haze has prompted school closures in East Timor and Malaysia and worsened air quality in Singapore. Wildlife: Eight orangutans rescued from fires in Borneo have been returned to protected forest. Water Security: Indonesia is considering desalination for water-stressed coastal areas and says data centers must account for their water use and environmental impact.

Wildfire Haze: Fires in Central Kalimantan are sending smoke across the region, pushing pollution to dangerous levels in Singapore and Malaysia and closing schools in Malaysia and East Timor. Indonesia says it aims to extinguish the fires within a month as El Niño-driven dry weather hampers efforts. Accountability: Police have named nine individuals as corporate suspects in ongoing fire investigations, while residents in fire-hit areas are suing the government over their right to clean air. Komnas HAM is also investigating impacts on health, water access and food security. Wildlife: Eight rescued orangutans have returned to the wild after fires, as blazes continue to threaten forests and animals. Bali Fuel Disruption: A tanker delay and rough weather caused long queues at petrol stations; Bali has ordered three days of remote work to ease pressure on fuel distribution.

Wildfire Emergency: El Niño-fuelled fires have burned across Sumatra and Borneo, sending haze into neighboring countries. Singapore recorded “very high” pollution, East Timor closed schools, and Indonesia reported more than 280,000 respiratory problems in affected areas since August. Officials are prioritizing fires in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra and aim to extinguish them within a month. Clean-Air Lawsuits: West Kalimantan residents and environmental groups are suing President Prabowo and 26 officials, seeking emergency measures, healthcare and compensation. The government has so far rejected calls to declare a national disaster. Wildlife at Risk: Fires have threatened orangutan habitat in Borneo; Indonesia has moved eight endangered orangutans to safety, while forestry officials say they have handled 290 fire-affected wild animals. Climate Warning: A new study projects Indonesia could face 10,400 additional heat deaths in December–February during the developing Super El Niño.

Fire Response: Indonesia aims to extinguish forest and land fires within a month and plans to remove a legal allowance for small-scale burning, while barring burned concession areas from being replanted with crops such as oil palm. Haze and Displacement: The government’s refusal to declare a national disaster is drawing criticism as smoke spreads across Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua and affects neighbouring countries. In Bangka Belitung, fires destroyed nearly 300 homes and drove almost 1,000 people from a village built on peatland. Wildlife at Risk: Fires have damaged orangutan habitat in Borneo; eight rescued orangutans have been released into protected forest, and Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry says it has handled 290 animals affected by fires. Marine Conservation: Bali authorities returned 20 protected green sea turtles to the ocean after foiling a suspected smuggling attempt.

Wildfire Emergency: A peat fire in Bangka Belitung destroyed nearly 300 homes and drove about 1,000 people from their village. Fires and haze now affect Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua, with smoke reaching neighboring countries. President Prabowo has ordered more firefighting resources as criticism mounts; Malaysia says lasting action must tackle fires at their source. Forest Protection: Indonesia says it may halt plans to expand rice farming into forests after achieving rice self-sufficiency ahead of schedule. Conservationists warn that policy changes and follow-through are needed to prevent further forest loss. Wildlife: Eight orangutans rescued from fire-hit Borneo have been moved to protected forest, while 20 green sea turtles seized in a Bali smuggling raid were returned to the ocean. Climate and Investment: Officials are promoting green investment in clean energy, waste management and forest and peatland restoration, while urging villages to use climate information to protect livelihoods.

Data-centre pressures: Indonesia’s infrastructure minister urged developers to protect water supplies and ecosystems after West Java halted construction of a 640-megawatt AI data centre. In Batam, residents say data-centre expansion coincides with months of dry taps; officials blame drought, while new projects have been told to build desalination plants. Fires and haze: President Prabowo ordered stronger firefighting, prioritising Tanjung Puting National Park, but smoke is limiting helicopter operations. Indonesia will not declare a national disaster for now, and foreign offers of assistance were not discussed. The fires are sending haze across borders, prompting calls for ASEAN cooperation. Wildlife: Eight orangutans rescued from Borneo fires were moved to a protected forest as flames threaten their habitat. Climate and clean energy: A study identifies extreme rainfall as a major threat to Indonesian cocoa yields, damaging flowers and fruit and encouraging disease. A new partnership between Yude Solar and SEDAYUSolar aims to develop solar projects in Indonesia; British International Investment also pledged climate financing for Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

Transboundary Haze: Malaysia plans to press ASEAN for stronger action on smoke from Indonesia’s months-long forest and peat fires, which have driven unhealthy air, school closures and haze-related medical subsidies in Singapore. Indonesian firefighting is hampered by poor visibility, remote fire zones and smouldering peat. Wildlife at Risk: Authorities rescued 46 orangutans in West Kalimantan; eight have been moved to protected forest, while others recover from burns and malnutrition. Rescuers warn relocation cannot make up for ongoing habitat loss. Forest and Food Policy: Indonesia says it no longer needs to clear forest for rice cultivation after reaching self-sufficiency, and plans to use degraded land for food and biofuel. But it has yet to explain what this shift means for major projects already underway in Papua and Kalimantan. Accountability: Indigenous groups and Borneo residents are taking the government to court over prolonged fires and haze, demanding responsibility for the damage.

Forest Fires and Haze: Fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan are sending unhealthy smoke across the region, prompting school closures in Malaysia and health warnings in Singapore. Indonesia faces pressure to crack down on polluters and accept more help to contain the blazes. Wildlife at Risk: Rescuers say 46 orangutans were saved from burning habitats in West Kalimantan between August and October 9; eight have since been released in a protected forest. Conservationists warn that relocation cannot replace safe, connected habitat. Accountability: Indigenous groups and Borneo residents are taking grievances over the fires and choking haze to court, intensifying scrutiny of the government’s response. Climate Threat: Dry conditions linked to El Niño are worsening fire risks, with peatland and forest fires threatening communities and wildlife.

Wildfire Haze: Fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan are sending dangerous smoke across the region, driving health warnings and school closures in Malaysia and worsening air quality in Singapore. Indonesia says it has deployed more than 60,000 personnel and dozens of aircraft to fight the blazes. Orangutan Rescue: Eight orangutans rescued from burned habitat in West Kalimantan have been released into the 23,000-hectare Batu Nyambu Protected Forest. Rescuers warn that protecting their forest homes remains essential. Fire Accountability: Indigenous groups and Borneo residents are taking the government to court over its handling of the fires and prolonged haze, sharpening scrutiny of Indonesia’s response. Bali’s Green Zones: Bali has designated six areas, including Ubud, Kuta and Sanur, as low-emission zones, linking tourism and urban planning with clean energy and emissions cuts. Rempang Eco-City: The government says it will adopt recommendations on agroforestry, erosion control, water and waste management, and marine tourism.

Forest Fires and Haze: Indonesia is discussing joint fire-fighting measures with Malaysia as smoke from Sumatra and Kalimantan pushes air quality into unhealthy ranges across the region. Malaysia has extended school closures in Johor, while Singapore warns conditions could worsen. Indonesia reported 437 hotspots and deployed aircraft for firefighting and patrols. Wildlife at Risk: Fires have driven orangutans from burned forests; rescued youngster Novita is being treated for burns after crossing scorched land. Accountability: Indigenous groups and Borneo residents are taking the government to court over its handling of fires and haze, while researchers warn collapsing peat water tables are helping fires spread. Marine Protection: Police in Bali seized 11 protected mobula rays in a suspected illegal-trade case and are investigating the supply chain.

Regional Haze: Singapore has offered Indonesia help fighting fires as El Niño-driven dry weather worsens the blaze. Smoke pushed Singapore’s air quality near “very unhealthy” levels, while Malaysia closed schools as pollution spread across the region. Wildlife at Risk: Rescuers are treating orangutans injured and stranded by fires in Borneo and Sumatra. Novita, a young Bornean orangutan found with burned hands and feet, is recovering at a rehabilitation centre. Accountability: Borneo residents have taken their grievances over months of fires and choking haze to court, while Indigenous groups accuse the government of negligence. Fire Outlook: Hotspots have fallen 67%, but dry conditions mean the risk remains high. Fires have scorched forests and threaten people, wildlife and peatlands.

Haze emergency: Indonesian fires have pushed air pollution across Southeast Asia, forcing Malaysian school closures and sending respiratory complaints higher. Kuala Lumpur briefly ranked among the world’s most polluted major cities, while Singapore’s air quality also worsened. Accountability: Residents in West Kalimantan have sued President Prabowo and other officials, alleging negligence over recurring fires; protests in Jambi reflect mounting anger. Malaysia is urging stronger regional cooperation. Fire outlook: Hotspots fell 67% in one day, but authorities warn prolonged dry weather and smouldering peat could reignite blazes. Forest protection: Indonesia has dropped plans to clear about 7.4 million acres for rice after production exceeded domestic demand, easing pressure on forests. Wildlife: A young orangutan seized in India in 2024 is expected to return to Indonesia soon, as fires continue to threaten the region’s wildlife.

Regional Haze: Indonesian forest and peat fires have driven unhealthy air across Southeast Asia, prompting Malaysia to close schools for about two million students and pushing Singapore’s pollution to a 2026 high. Residents in West Kalimantan are suing President Prabowo and other officials, alleging negligence over fires that have burned for months; protesters in Jambi are also demanding stronger action. Fire Response: Hotspots fell 67% in a day, but dry conditions and smouldering peat mean the risk remains. Indonesia says firefighting teams and aircraft are on standby, while officials are urging peatland rewetting to prevent fires reigniting. Wildlife: Orangutans have been rescued from burned land in Borneo, including a young female with burned feet now receiving intensive care. Forest Protection: The government says it will stop expanding food and biofuel projects into forests, pledging to use degraded land instead.