Indonesia wildfire penalties could become significantly tougher as authorities battle the country’s most intense fires in 11 years and worsening regional haze.
JAKARTA: Indonesia wildfire penalties could be strengthened as the government confronts its most intense fire season in 11 years, with President Prabowo Subianto demanding tougher action against people and companies responsible for deliberately burning forests and land.
The president called for stricter regulations and legal sanctions against the use of slash-and-burn methods for clearing land. He also asked officials and lawmakers to examine whether serious violations could be classified as “ecological terrorism”.
Authorities have been instructed to revoke permits where companies are found responsible and continue criminal investigations into suspected violations. The government has said there will be no tolerance for deliberate burning.
Why are Indonesia’s wildfires so severe?
Indonesia is experiencing its worst wildfire season since 2015 as powerful El Niño conditions combine with prolonged dry weather.
Borneo and Sumatra are among the hardest-hit areas. Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry said about 202,000 hectares burned between January and July, with an estimated 600,000 additional hectares affected in August.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has warned that the fires could continue until early November because the rainy season is expected to arrive later than previously anticipated.
The government has deployed more than 50 aircraft for water bombing and cloud-seeding operations. Japan has also provided three CH-47 Chinook helicopters to support firefighting efforts.
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How is the smoke affecting people?
The health impact is becoming increasingly serious.
More than 12.5 million people across seven provinces have been exposed to wildfire haze. Reported respiratory illness cases in affected areas rose from 50,891 on September 1 to 113,336 by September 9, according to Indonesian health authorities.
The smoke is not stopping at Indonesia’s borders. Transboundary haze has contributed to unhealthy air conditions in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia, adding a regional dimension to the crisis.
The push for tougher Indonesia wildfire penalties comes as authorities investigate both individuals and companies suspected of causing fires. Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry said on September 15 that it was handling 31 forest and land fire cases across 10 provinces, including seven cases under formal investigation.
The government now faces two immediate challenges: containing fires during an extended dry season and strengthening enforcement to prevent deliberate burning from adding to the crisis.
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Impact to expect
Enforcement. Tougher penalties and permit revocations could increase pressure on plantation operators and landowners to prevent fires, while continued haze may keep public health and regional air quality under strain.
