Indonesia forest fire pollutants could drift towards Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei

Indonesian authorities have reported a significant rise in forest and land fire hotspots in parts of Kalimantan, particularly in Central Kalimantan, which saw an increase of 876 to 5,391. West Kalimantan also experienced a 453 increase, now standing at 3,824 hotspots. Meteorological data indicates that these pollutants are drifting towards the Malacca Strait and Natuna Sea, raising concerns about potential transboundary haze affecting Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

Winds may carry the pollutants towards these neighboring countries. Visibility in affected areas of Kalimantan has dropped to as low as 1 to 1.5 kilometers, compared to the normal range of 2.4 to 5 kilometers in Sumatra. Air quality remains hazardous, with the Air Pollutant Standard Index reaching dangerous levels in several regions of Kalimantan, including Katingan, Pontianak, and Sanggu.

Authorities advise residents to minimize outdoor activities and wear masks if they must venture outside. Hotspot numbers have declined in South Kalimantan but increased in Sumatra, with 48,667 personnel on standby for monitoring, firefighting, and cooling operations. Thirty-three aircraft, including 34 for water bombing and 13 for patrols, have been deployed.

Firefighting efforts are also intensifying in West Papua, where 35 hotspots and eight fire spots have been detected, affecting around 2,496 hectares.