Southeast Asia's worst haze in over a decade sparks student protests
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Thousands of students across Indonesia have protested for days over the government's response to toxic haze that has blanke
Indonesia is experiencing its worst haze in over a decade, leading to widespread student protests against the government's response. The toxic haze has blanketed multiple cities and spread across Southeast Asia, posing health concerns and igniting public backlash from neighboring countries. The primary cause of the haze is forest and peatland fires, often set to clear land for farming.
While such fires are common during the dry season, this year's are the most severe on record. Student and civil society groups have demanded stronger action from the Indonesian government, with some calling for a national emergency declaration. Over 333,470 residents have suffered acute respiratory illnesses across seven provinces affected by the haze since mid-August.
Singapore and Kuala Lumpur have been ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, with many considering this the worst haze crisis to affect the region in over a decade. Regional efforts to tackle the issue have lagged, with regional cooperation potentially hindered by blame and unhelpful rhetoric.
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