Indonesia’s Wildfires Could Continue Until Early November

Indonesia’s severe wildfire crisis could continue until early November, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has warned, as a delayed rainy season threatens to prolong the country’s extended drought.

Indonesia is experiencing its most intense wildfire season in 11 years, with fires burning across parts of Borneo and Sumatra amid unusually dry conditions linked to a strong El Niño weather pattern.

Raja Juli said the country’s weather agency had revised its forecast for the start of the rainy season, with significant rainfall now expected only in late October or early November. The delay could allow fires to persist for several more weeks.

The minister urged individuals, farmers and companies to stop using fire to clear land while the dry conditions continue. Authorities have repeatedly warned that deliberate land burning can quickly spread during periods of drought, particularly across Indonesia’s extensive peatlands.

The fires have already caused a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses. More than 113,000 cases were recorded across seven affected provinces between September 1 and 9, with West Kalimantan among the areas experiencing the most serious impact from hazardous smoke.

Thick haze has also spread beyond Indonesia, affecting air quality in neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore. Changing wind conditions have contributed to the movement of smoke across national borders.

Indonesia has expanded its firefighting response, deploying more than 50 aircraft for water-bombing and cloud-seeding operations. International assistance has also been provided, including three CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Japan.

The prolonged fires are putting additional pressure on communities already dealing with poor air quality and extreme weather conditions. Authorities are continuing to monitor hotspots and carry out aerial and ground firefighting operations in the worst-affected areas.

The government has also increased efforts to prevent new fires, including measures targeting land-clearing practices that involve burning vegetation.

With the rainy season now expected later than previously forecast, Indonesian authorities face several more weeks of difficult conditions before heavier rainfall can provide wider relief from the wildfire crisis.