Indonesia's Wildfire Crisis: Millions of Hectares Burned as Communities Struggle with Toxic Haze

Click here to help communities affected by the toxic haze

Indonesia is facing a severe environmental and humanitarian crisis as prolonged forest and land fires continue to spread toxic haze across large parts of the country. Driven by unusually dry conditions associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon, the fires have devastated forests and peatlands, threatened public health, and disrupted livelihoods. Although recent rainfall has helped reduce the number of fire hotspots, authorities warn that the emergency is far from over.

According to satellite monitoring data from Nusantara Atlas, approximately 1.92 million hectares of land had burned across Indonesia by the end of September 2026, more than double the cumulative area recorded at the end of August. The scale of destruction has already surpassed the area burned during the same period in 2019, highlighting the severity of this year's crisis. The fires have been particularly damaging in Kalimantan and Sumatra, where extensive peatlands can continue smouldering beneath the surface even after visible flames have disappeared.

Beyond the environmental destruction, the human consequences are increasingly alarming. As reported by the BBC on 21 October, Indonesia's Ministry of Health had recorded more than 277,000 cases of chronic coughs and acute respiratory infections by mid-October, including more than 62,000 cases involving children under five. In heavily affected areas such as Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, families are struggling with hazardous air pollution, while children have been forced to attend classes remotely and many workers face difficult choices between protecting their health and earning a living.

The crisis has also extended beyond Indonesia's borders. Thick smoke has drifted into neighbouring countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, contributing to deteriorating air quality and disruptions to daily activities. In East Timor, authorities suspended face-to-face school activities for three days in mid-October amid concerns over airborne pollutants. The regional impact demonstrates how forest and land fires can become a humanitarian emergency affecting communities far beyond the areas where the flames originate.

Indonesia has mobilised a large-scale emergency response. According to Reuters on 22 October, more than 69,000 personnel and approximately 50 aircraft had been deployed to combat the fires through ground operations, aerial waterbombing and weather modification efforts. The number of high-confidence fire hotspots declined from more than 1,200 on 14 October to 565 on 22 October. However, officials cautioned that sporadic rainfall remains insufficient to extinguish persistent fires, while the delayed arrival of the rainy season raises concerns about further outbreaks.

For affected communities, the consequences extend beyond the immediate threat of fire. Prolonged exposure to smoke places additional pressure on vulnerable groups, particularly children, older people and those with existing health conditions. Families may also face disrupted education, reduced income and uncertainty about when normal life can resume. Behind every fire hotspot is a community facing the challenge of protecting its health, sustaining its livelihood and rebuilding a sense of security.

As emergency operations continue, the need to support affected communities remains urgent. Human Aid Initiative calls on its supporters and the wider public to stand in solidarity with families affected by Indonesia's wildfires. Humanitarian assistance can play an important role in helping vulnerable households meet essential needs, protect their well-being and move towards recovery.

The decline in fire hotspots is a welcome development, but it does not mean that the suffering has ended. For thousands of families living under the shadow of toxic haze, the road to recovery may continue long after the last flames are extinguished. Through collective compassion and sustained support, we can help ensure that affected communities are not forgotten.

Stand with communities affected by Indonesia's wildfires. Your donation can help bring hope and relief to families in need.

Donate today: https://haiuk.org/wildfires