Indonesia Fires Trigger Highest ASEAN Haze Alert
6 sourcesUpdated Oct 17, 20261 min read
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre has raised its alert for southern Southeast Asia to Level 3, its highest, citing persistent fires, dry conditions and smoke that could spread across borders. Indonesian wildfires have blanketed parts of the region in haze, disrupting daily life, prompting school closures and contributing to respiratory complaints. Singapore says it will issue warnings to seven Indonesian companies it identified as responsible for fires. The alert underscores the ongoing risk to air quality and public health in neighboring countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.
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Singapore's warnings to those seven firms are appropriate, but Indonesia needs more aircraft and personnel on the ground right now to contain the spread.
These fires are harming health across borders with respiratory problems and school closures. Indonesia must enforce rules on companies to prevent this recurring damage.
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