Indonesia’s forest fires cause disruptive “transboundary haze”

Hot, dry weather has helped spark intense forest fires around the world in 2026, especially in #Indonesia – generating “transboundary haze” that’s reducing air quality for neighboring Singapore and Malaysia and disrupting air traffic.

Our map of satellite data shows how the worst hotspots in August have been West and Central Kalimantan, along with South Sumatera. 

Ozone, nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5 and PM10 (i.e.: coarse and fine particles smaller than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers respectively, both associated with forest fires) all pose separate health risks. Historically, particulates are particularly troublesome in Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. More northerly latitudes somewhat shield the Philippines and Thailand.