Reducing wildfires will be challenging as El Niño peaks this month, minister war...

Indonesia is struggling to curb haze caused by forest and land fires across six provinces in Kalimantan and Sumatra islands. The El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to peak this month, making efforts to reduce wildfires particularly challenging, according to the forestry minister. The super-El Niño conditions are exacerbating the fires, causing drought.

The minister noted that September will be the main challenge. Between July and August, the haze led to over 50,000 cases of acute respiratory infection across seven provinces. Winds have blown the haze to neighboring provinces, causing infections in areas without fires. Wildfires burned about 200,000 hectares of land from January to July, up from 107,465 hectares from January to June.

The fires were largely intentional, set either by individuals or corporations despite crackdowns. Kalimantan has extensive peatlands, where fires can smolder underground for weeks. Six forestry permit holders have been fined, and a criminal probe is possible. Satellite images show that 42 companies hold concessions with high wildfire potential.

Authorities have used weather modification techniques to trigger rain and water-bombed areas to contain the fires. The Philippines reported hazardous air quality in Manila, while six districts in Sarawak, Malaysia, reached hazardous levels due to smoke from Indonesian forest fires. Schools in Kuching closed two weeks ago, and the state has seen a shortage of haze-rated masks.