Indonesia faces continued challenges in controlling wildfires as the El Nino weather phenomenon reaches its peak this month, authorities have warned. The country has intensified efforts to combat forest and land fires across six provinces on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, where the resulting haze has affected air quality and public health in the region.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni acknowledged that while the number of active fire hotspots in Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo) and Sumatra decreased by the end of August, the situation remains critical. “Our problems are not over. September is the peak of El Nino,” he said, emphasizing the ongoing risks during this period of drought conditions driven by the weather pattern.

The health impact of the haze has been significant, with more than 50,000 cases of acute respiratory infection reported across seven provinces between July and August, according to the health ministry official Andi Saguni. The haze has led to the closure of thousands of schools, which have shifted to online learning, including those in neighboring Malaysia.

Data from the forestry ministry indicate that wildfires have burned approximately 200,000 hectares of land from January to July 2026, a notable increase compared to around 107,465 hectares burned from January to June. Authorities attribute much of the destruction to deliberate fire-setting by individuals and companies involved in clearing land for agricultural use and other economic activities.

Raja Juli identified these fires as predominantly man-made and highlighted ongoing enforcement efforts. Six forestry permit holders have been fined, with possible criminal investigations underway. Senior environment ministry official Rizal Irawan noted that satellite imaging has identified 42 companies holding concessions with high wildfire risk.

To mitigate the fires, Indonesian authorities have employed weather modification techniques to induce rainfall and conducted aerial water drops on hotspots in an effort to reduce the spread. However, the extensive peatlands of Borneo pose particular challenges as fires can smolder underground for weeks, complicating containment efforts.

As Indonesia confronts the worsening wildfire situation amid the exacerbating conditions of the "super-El Nino," officials warn that September will be a critical month to manage the environmental and health repercussions of the widespread blazes.