Indonesian forest fires worsen amid drought and El Niño
More than 200,000 hectares of land had been affected according to Indonesian figures by the end of July, while smoke and fires continue.
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Indonesia continues to grapple with major forest and land fires during an exceptionally dry period. The Indonesian meteorological service warns that El Niño, low rainfall and dry vegetation are increasing the risk of new fires.
The Indonesian meteorological service BMKG calls September a critical month for forest and land fires. In its outlook for 22 to 28 September, the service writes that smoke and fires in several regions will continue to require attention, alongside periods of heavy rainfall.
According to figures from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, more than 202,000 hectares of land were affected by fires between January and July. The figure covers the whole country and the first seven months of the year; it is not a measurement of the area currently on fire at the same time.
Sumatra and Kalimantan are particularly vulnerable. They contain extensive peatlands which, after drainage, catch fire easily and are difficult to extinguish completely. The smoke can spread over long distances, disrupt aviation and cause health problems in border regions of neighbouring countries.
El Niño’s role is primarily that of a risk amplifier. The phenomenon can intensify dry conditions and heat, but it does not on its own explain where fires start. Land use, peat drainage, agricultural practices and human activity also determine the scale and duration of the fires.
The Indonesian government is using firefighters, helicopters and weather information. BMKG is also supporting operations involving artificial rainmaking. Such measures can improve local conditions, but they do not remove the underlying causes of fires in peatlands or of drought.
The figures should therefore be read with some caution. Satellite systems detect fire hotspots and burned areas in different ways, while government services may revise their records later. The official warnings and independent reporting do, however, point to a continuing major fire and smoke problem, rather than a single isolated incident.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Indonesia recorded large areas affected by fires in 2026.
- Dry conditions and El Niño increase the risk of fires.
- Human land use and peat drainage also play a role.
- The government is using firefighting and weather modification.
Left
Arguments The emphasis should be on stronger peatland protection, limiting drainage, and holding companies and governments responsible for land use.
Values Nature conservation, public health and climate justice.
Consequences Stricter rules could restrict agriculture and commodities production, but would reduce long-term smoke and climate damage.
Centre
Arguments Firefighting is urgently needed, but it should be combined with better monitoring, regional cooperation and economically viable alternatives for farmers.
Values Practical feasibility, international cooperation and risk management.
Consequences A mix of prevention and emergency measures is more promising, but requires long-term funding.
Right
Arguments The government should act more quickly against arsonists and strengthen local management, without treating all economic activity in fire-prone areas alike.
Values Law enforcement, property rights and economic development.
Consequences Targeted prosecutions could preserve public support, but would address wider climate and land-use patterns less directly.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The text distinguishes between measured burned area, current smoke conditions and model-based or meteorological risks. The sources confirm a continuing fire season, but do not support an exact current area without qualification.
- confirmed BMKG calls September 2026 a critical period for forest and land fires. — Mentioned in the BMKG analysis of 7 September. source
- confirmed More than 202,000 hectares were affected between January and July. — Reported by AP based on data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry. source
- confirmed El Niño increases the risk of fires but is not the only cause. — BMKG links drought and El Niño to the risk; the qualification concerning land use follows from the context of fires in peatlands. source
- confirmed Smoke has affected aviation and neighbouring countries. — AP reported disrupted flights and cross-border smoke. source