Indonesian peatland fires persist, smoke blankets Malaysia - NASA

KUALA LUMPUR: According to NASA, forest fires have been identified both on the surface and underground in Indonesia due to a severe and widespread drought. Some of these fires are occurring in tropical peatlands, which burn slowly and release high levels of air pollution. These fires are challenging to extinguish as they smolder at low temperatures and can spread underground.

NASA's Aqua satellite captured images on September 1 showing smoke blanketing large portions of Indonesia and Malaysia. The agency placed red dots on these images to mark locations of thermal anomalies, which are indicators of fires. However, thick smoke and cloud cover have made it difficult for the instrument to detect fires occurring beneath the forest canopy and underground.

Indonesia, which contains about 36 percent of the world's tropical peatland area, released 1.75 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2015 after fires burned for over three months. As of September 2, the 2026 fires, which have been burning for approximately a month, have already released about 10 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted during the 2015 fires, according to NASA.

The fires and the resulting haze have disrupted daily activities, with schools transitioning to remote learning, and some flights have experienced delays. Experts emphasize the need for sustained attention to address the fires, as efforts should not be limited to periods such as El Nino when fires are typically more severe. A more consistent approach is necessary to combat forest and peatland fires, especially in the context of dry weather conditions that heighten the risk of fires.