Indonesian government faces wildfires lawsuit as haze blankets region

Civil society organisations in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province have filed a class action lawsuit against the national government over its management of wildfires and resulting haze. The lawsuit, initiated in Pontianak, the capital city on the island of Borneo, alleges that the government was negligent and failed to take adequate action, despite El Niño being predicted before the dry season.

Plaintiffs include Indigenous people, religious youth groups, and others, accusing the government of not declaring the fires a national emergency, not strengthening mitigation efforts, and not providing free healthcare. The government responded that it respects citizens' right to pursue legal action but will address the issues through the legal process.

At least 175,000 respiratory infection cases have been recorded since August, and more than 200 fires are still burning. Plaintiffs allege that companies are responsible for the fires, with investigations underway.