Indonesia deploys hundreds of soldiers to tackle Borneo fires

Indonesia is increasing its military presence in Borneo to combat a series of devastating wildfires, according to an official statement. The country plans to deploy an additional 1,500 soldiers to the island, as reported by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. The fires, which have scorched over 200,000 hectares of land since January, have created thick smog that has blanketed parts of the region, causing unhealthy air quality in some areas.

President Prabowo Subianto, who visited Borneo to oversee the response efforts, emphasized the urgent need to stop the fires from spreading. The government is also sending three additional battalions of the Indonesia National Armed Forces to join the fight against the blazes. Six helicopters have been dispatched to assist with waterbombing operations.

The smog has forced local governments in Borneo to advise residents to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. The fires, driven by dry conditions exacerbated by a strong El Nino weather pattern, have burned an area larger than the previous El Nino seasons in 2019 and 2023, though not as extensive as in 2015.