Forest and peatland fires are spreading hazardous smoke across Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei as a strong El Niño intensifies dry conditions across Southeast Asia. Nearly 94,000 hectares burned in Indonesia during July, underlining how climate extremes and land-clearing practices can combine into a cross-border emergency.
Smoke closes schools
The thick haze has reached Malaysian Borneo, where around 600 schools in Sarawak have reportedly closed, affecting approximately 200,000 pupils. Air quality has deteriorated across several Indonesian and Malaysian cities, while poor visibility has disrupted flights and increased pressure on health services.
Peatlands make fires harder to stop
Many fires occur on peatlands drained for agriculture and plantation development. Once dry, the carbon-rich soil can burn underground for extended periods, making the flames difficult to extinguish and releasing large quantities of greenhouse gases and toxic smoke.
Climate change does not directly ignite these fires, which are frequently linked to deliberate or accidental land clearing. However, rising temperatures and prolonged dry periods increase the likelihood that vegetation and peat will burn rapidly. The developing El Niño is expected to strengthen further, potentially extending dry conditions into the final months of 2026.
Economic damage spreads across borders
The haze threatens agriculture, tourism, transport and worker productivity throughout the region. Small businesses face reduced customer activity, while governments must carry the costs of firefighting, healthcare and school disruption. Indonesia has deployed more than 24,000 personnel, supported by aircraft, water bombing and cloud-seeding operations.
Prevention becomes more urgent
Indonesian police have arrested dozens of suspected fire starters and are investigating several companies. Yet enforcement alone may not be sufficient. Restoring peatlands, controlling agricultural burning and improving regional monitoring will be essential as warmer conditions increase Southeast Asia’s exposure to future fire seasons.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 25 August 2026
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