Watch: How toxic smog from wildfires is making Indonesians sick

Wildfires raging across Indonesia’s islands have produced a lethal haze that has sickened more than 175,000 people since August. The toxic smog—filled with fine particulate matter—has pushed air quality in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to unhealthy levels, prompting nationwide health advisories.

The health toll

Health authorities report a sharp rise in respiratory complaints, with community clinics receiving up‑to‑a‑six‑fold increase in visits for asthma, bronchitis and chest pain. In Jakarta alone, emergency departments observed over 2,000 patients on a single smoke‑affected day.

What the haze looks like

Satellite imagery reveals a thick layer of smoke stretching hundreds of miles across the Bay of Bengal, tinting the sky in a murky grays and making days feel suffocating. Air‑quality sensors have logged particulate matter concentrations of 200 µg/m³—more than four times WHO’s safe threshold.

Why it’s happening

The fires are largely the result of agricultural slash‑burning, a practice used by farmers to clear land for palm oil and other crops. During August and September, high temperatures and low humidity create a perfect fire‑propagating environment.

Government response

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency has called for a nationwide curfew to reduce dust mobilisation and launched dust‑suppression drones. Officials also announced harsher penalties for illegal burning, with fines set at up to RM 50,000.

Expert perspective

BBC presenter Liza Tambunan says that tackling the smog will require aggressive legislation and grassroots education. “We need to change the mindset that burning is best practice,” she says. More on this story.

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