ASEAN’s efforts to tackle transboundary haze pollution continue to face significant challenges, particularly in enforcing commitments and prosecuting those responsible for forest and land fires in the region. Despite the establishment of a regional command hub aimed at preventing, monitoring, and responding to such fires, cooperation among member states has largely stalled when it comes to holding offenders accountable.

Singapore, which enacted the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) in 2014 to assert extraterritorial jurisdiction over entities causing haze pollution affecting its territory, has yet to successfully prosecute any cases under the law. The THPA’s reach extends to foreign and domestic actors alike, but enforcement is hindered by the need for cross-border collaboration. Critical evidence for prosecutions—such as data on fire locations, land ownership, and the identities of operators—is often located outside Singapore, necessitating cooperation from neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia.

Environmental groups like Greenpeace have consistently identified hotspots linked to palm oil, pulp, and timber concessions connected to companies with business operations in Singapore and Malaysia. Nevertheless, legal action remains elusive. Four cases dating back to the 2015 haze crisis, during which Indonesia experienced hazardous pollution levels exceeding a Pollutant Standards Index of 300, remain unresolved.

The reluctance or inability of Indonesian authorities to cooperate fully underscores the difficulties in navigating ASEAN's principles of consensus and non-interference. While these doctrines are intended to maintain regional harmony, they also inhibit prompt and decisive action against polluters. This has led to criticism that national efforts, especially in Indonesia, are insufficiently robust to meet legal obligations under regional agreements.

ASEAN members have acknowledged the severity of transboundary haze pollution and put forward comprehensive plans aiming for a haze-free region by 2030. However, experts highlight that without mandatory cross-border mechanisms for evidence sharing and a genuine commitment to prosecuting offenders, the deterrent effect will remain weak. The lack of harmonized legislation across member states and delays in translating regional commitments into enforceable national laws contribute to ongoing impunity for polluters.

The transboundary haze crisis is increasingly being viewed not only as an environmental problem but also as a reflection of domestic governance challenges and deficiencies in the rule of law within key polluting countries. Achieving the goal of a haze-free ASEAN by 2030 will require a significant strengthening of political will, enhanced enforcement capacity, and greater regional cooperation. Until these obstacles are overcome, the vision of a haze-free Southeast Asia remains uncertain amid persistent smoke and environmental damage.