Burning Issue: Indonesia’s Kalimantan Fires Demand Real Change

The annual haze crisis in Southeast Asia has returned, fueled by Indonesia’s forest fires in Kalimantan. President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to the affected areas, accompanied by promises of more troops and helicopters, is a welcome development – but merely treating the symptoms won’t suffice this time around.

For years, these fires have ravaged not only Indonesian forests but also neighboring countries’ air quality. The statistics are staggering: over 200,000 hectares of land were burnt between January and July alone, surpassing the area affected by the devastating El Nino seasons in 2019 and 2023. This grim reminder highlights Indonesia’s ongoing struggle to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.

The government’s decision to investigate four companies in West Kalimantan for possible fire-related violations is a step in the right direction, but it won’t be enough to alleviate concerns about transboundary haze. ASEAN countries must take collective action against these fires by enforcing restrictions on open burning and ensuring they’re prepared to respond before the blazes spread.

The President’s call for reviewing local regulations that allow land clearing by burning as part of traditional practices is a long-overdue acknowledgment that Indonesia’s approach to land management needs an overhaul. By providing alternatives like excavators, communities can clear land without resorting to fire – a solution that should have been implemented years ago.

While the El Nino weather pattern may be partly responsible for the dry conditions, it’s no excuse for Indonesia’s inaction on this front. The country has a track record of dealing with more severe outbreaks in the past, and Prabowo’s confidence that they can overcome this too is well-placed – but only if accompanied by meaningful policy changes.

ASEAN countries are acutely aware of the urgency of addressing transboundary haze. Singapore authorities have advised residents to wear masks and reduce outdoor activities due to unhealthy air quality in neighboring Sarawak, while Malaysia has called for strengthened measures against haze, underscoring the need for regional cooperation on environmental issues.

In the short term, Indonesia needs to provide more resources to affected areas, including water bombing helicopters and drilling equipment. However, Prabowo acknowledged during his visit that this is just the beginning – the real challenge lies in transforming Indonesia’s approach to land management and enforcing regulations that protect both people and the environment. It’s time for the country to move beyond firefighting and tackle the root causes of these devastating blazes.

As Prabowo said, “If we look at history, there were years when it was much worse and we were able to overcome it.” The question now is whether Indonesia will learn from its past mistakes or repeat them. Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: the status quo won’t suffice in a region where haze knows no borders.

Prabowo’s words of confidence may be reassuring, but they also underscore the urgent need for systemic change in Indonesia’s approach to forest fires and land management. Anything less would be a betrayal of the country’s environmental commitments – not just to itself, but to its neighbors as well.