Indonesia is confronting its worst wildfires in a decade, with blazes exacerbated by the ongoing El Niño weather pattern. The fires, concentrated primarily in West Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo, have engulfed nearly 900,000 hectares of land between January and August, marking a nearly one-third increase compared to 2019, according to the independent deforestation and fire monitoring group Nusantara Atlas.

The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by higher sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has intensified this year’s dry season, causing prolonged drought and delayed rainfall. These conditions have worsened the effects of traditional slash-and-burn agricultural practices, leading to uncontrolled fires that have spread into biodiverse forests and carbon-rich peatlands. The resulting thick haze has affected millions across southeast Asia, with large urban centers shrouded in smog and flights disrupted due to poor visibility.

Residents like Alda Swarni Dewi in West Kalimantan have reported severe health effects from the smoke. Alda, who cares for her two-year-old daughter, described persistent sore throats and respiratory difficulties and said she forbids her child from playing outside, citing the harmful conditions. Medical workers have highlighted a surge in respiratory infections, straining local healthcare facilities, while authorities have deployed military and police personnel to assist firefighting efforts, which remain hampered by dense haze.

Environmental advocates and local communities have called for more stringent enforcement against companies linked to the fires, especially those involved in palm oil, pulp and paper, and sugar production. While Indonesia has banned land clearing by fire and shuttered the operations of 57 companies alleged to have exacerbated the blazes, activists argue that prosecutions and penalties are insufficient. Notably, several of these companies are headquartered in Singapore and Malaysia, prompting calls for stronger action in those countries. Singapore established a law against transboundary haze pollution in 2014, but no legal cases have been pursued to date.

One significant hotspot was within a concession owned by Kayung Agro Lestari (KAL), a subsidiary of Singapore-listed First Resources. Fires ignited in early August and persisted for nearly two months, destroying over 2,300 hectares of orangutan habitat. Indonesia’s forestry ministry confirmed the discovery of an orangutan skull in KAL’s conservation zone and has opened an investigation into the company. First Resources denied responsibility for starting the fire, stating it follows a strict zero-burning policy and that the fires originated outside its boundaries before spreading into its concessions. The company said it is cooperating with authorities and emphasized its commitment to biodiversity protection.

Some critics accuse the Indonesian government of inadequate preparedness despite early warnings of a strong El Niño event. A group of residents from the affected areas filed a lawsuit against President Prabowo Subianto and various government agencies, alleging negligence and demanding increased prosecutions and compensation. Officials responded that many concerns are being addressed and noted that criminal proceedings are underway against 17 corporations connected to the fires.

Indonesia’s Deputy Environment Minister Noer Adi Wardjoo described the situation as “extraordinary,” citing the unprecedented scale and spread of fires that have challenged existing response capacities. With El Niño expected to peak later this year and persist into early 2025, the government and stakeholders face an ongoing test in managing the environmental, health, and economic impacts of the wildfires.