Indonesian authorities are intensifying operations as El Niño-fueled wildfires continue to burn across Sumatra and Kalimantan, with smoke haze spreading to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Nine orangutans have so far been evacuated from the Ketapang district of West Kalimantan province because of the threat from wildfires, according to the Indonesia Ministry of Forestry and YIARI.
Fires rage across Sumatra and Kalimantan
Fires have raged across large parts of Indonesia for weeks, creating a smoke haze affecting Malaysia and Singapore. In South Sumatra, one of the hardest-hit areas, firefighters from Indonesia's national forest and land fire brigade are working to extinguish blazes in Ogan Ilir and other districts. The fires are destroying farming and residential areas, and smoke is threatening people's health.
Data from Indonesia's forestry ministry shows that nearly 94,000 hectares (232,000 acres) burned nationwide in July alone. In Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, fires have ravaged tens of thousands of acres in the province.
El Niño intensifies annual slash-and-burn fires
Fires each year in Kalimantan are often blamed on 'slash and burn' techniques used to clear land for plantations that produce palm oil, of which Indonesia is the world's largest producer. Experts fear 2026 could be another devastating fire year, with many of Indonesia's most severe blazes happening during El Niño cycles. El Niño may be intensifying the blazes usually associated with yearly 'slash and burn' land clearing, particularly in peatland forests like those in Pulang Pisau, Central Kalimantan.
Indonesia's unique rainforests are home to peatland ecosystems that should be naturally resilient to fire when water tables remain high. However, the current dry conditions have made them vulnerable.
Wildlife evacuations and regional haze
An orangutan and her baby were evacuated by officials in Sungai Awan Kiri. Exposure to smoke can affect an orangutan's respiratory system, according to the Indonesia Ministry of Forestry and YIARI. The evacuations are part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife from the advancing fires.
Smoke haze is fast becoming a regional issue. In late August, Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, was the most polluted city on earth. Singapore's Marina Barrage has also been affected, with haze drifting as far as Singapore and the Philippines.
Government response and arrests
Indonesia's president, Prabowo Subianto, has promised government resources to contain the fires, including helicopters and water pumps. Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting fires in Borneo and Sumatra, with most accused of deliberately burning land to clear it for plantations.
Experts warn the worst could be yet to come as rain heavy enough to extinguish fires is not forecast until November. The fires continue to pose a significant threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and public health across the region.
