Indonesia is battling its worst wildfire season in a decade as peat fires fuel a toxic haze choking millions in Kalimantan. The BBC’s Liza Tambunan reports from central Kalimantan to explore why peat fires are hard to control and how they spread far beyond the islands.
Peat lands store vast amounts of carbon. When they dry out, they ignite and burn slowly, emitting smoke that lingers for weeks. This persistent smoke drifts across borders, reaching Singapore, Malaysia and even parts of Thailand, turning clear skies into a mirror of gray.
The article details the environmental and health impacts, from respiratory distress in local communities to long‑term damage to agricultural land. It also highlights the urgent need for better fire‑management strategies, including controlled burns, rapid response teams and community awareness programmes.
Liza Tambunan’s on‑the‑ground reporting shows how the situation is escalating, and why the international community’s attention is crucial for a sustainable solution.
