Indonesia’s ongoing wildfire crisis could persist until early November, with the country’s forestry minister warning that the fires may continue burning as dry conditions linked to a strong El Niño persist.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the seasonal fires could take several more weeks to subside, with the rainy season expected to arrive later than usual. The prolonged dry spell has made it more difficult for authorities to contain outbreaks across several parts of the country.
According to Reuters, Indonesia is experiencing its most intense wildfire conditions in more than a decade. The situation has been particularly serious on Sumatra and Borneo, where fires have been reported over recent weeks.
Dry weather complicates firefighting efforts
The minister called on individuals, farmers and companies to avoid using fire during the current period of exceptionally dry weather.
Authorities have faced additional challenges in preventing and controlling fires as vegetation and land remain dry. Seasonal burning practices can also increase the risk of fires spreading when rainfall is limited and winds carry smoke over wider areas.
The prolonged fires have also raised concerns beyond Indonesia, particularly in neighbouring countries that can be affected by smoke drifting across national borders.
Singapore and Malaysia affected by haze
The fires in Indonesia have contributed to transboundary haze affecting parts of Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Sep. 16 that air quality stations in several areas of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan were recording unhealthy to hazardous conditions.
Singapore itself was forecast to experience air quality ranging from moderate to low unhealthy levels at the time.
The haze situation is closely watched in Singapore because changing wind conditions can influence how much smoke reaches the island. Prolonged periods of dry weather in the region can also increase concerns about worsening air quality.
Malaysia to raise haze concerns with Indonesia
Malaysia is also preparing to raise the issue directly with Indonesian officials.
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to visit Jakarta from Sep. 17 to Sep. 20. He said Malaysia would formally bring up the transboundary haze issue during the visit.
Zahid said diplomatic engagement should take place alongside technical cooperation between officials from neighbouring countries and Malaysian states.
With Indonesia’s forestry minister now warning that the fires could last into early November, the regional haze situation could remain a concern for Singapore and Malaysia for several more weeks if significant rainfall does not arrive earlier than expected.