Overview

The recurrence of forest and land fires (Kebakaran Hutan dan Lahan/Karhutla) in Indonesia has continued to raise significant environmental, economic, public-health, and legal concerns. The situation has become particularly pressing in 2026, as prolonged dry conditions and an intensifying El Niño phenomenon have contributed to the spread of fires across several regions, particularly Sumatra and Kalimantan.[1]

The consequences of these forest and land fires have also extended beyond Indonesia’s borders, as transboundary haze has affected neighboring countries, particularly Malaysia and Singapore.[2] International pressure subsequently intensified, culminating in an agreement between Indonesia and Singapore in October 2026 to establish a joint task force to strengthen enforcement against illegal land burning.[3] Singapore had also issued warning letters to ten Indonesian companies potentially connected to the fires.[4]