When the Rain Arrives Late, Indonesia Faces Weeks More of Fire Across Forests and Peatlands

Indonesia's wildfire season may continue for several more weeks, with authorities warning that fires could persist through October and into early November. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the rainy season is expected to arrive later than previously forecast, extending the period of dry conditions across fire-affected areas.

The warning comes during what officials describe as Indonesia's most intense wildfire season in 11 years. Forests and fields across parts of Sumatra and Borneo have been affected, while dry weather has made firefighting more difficult.

The country's weather pattern has been influenced by a strong El Niño episode, which has contributed to prolonged heat and dryness. The delayed arrival of seasonal rainfall means that vegetation and peatlands can remain vulnerable to ignition for longer periods.

Authorities had initially expected the rainy season to begin earlier, but forecasts were revised toward late October or early November. That change has extended the window in which fires can continue developing.

Peatland fires create particular difficulties because flames can move below the surface and continue smouldering even when conditions appear calmer above ground. This can allow fires to return when wind, heat and dry vegetation create favorable conditions.

The health consequences have also become increasingly visible. CNA reported that wildfire-related respiratory illness cases in seven affected provinces rose sharply, with more than 113,000 cases recorded between September 1 and September 9.

The haze has not remained within Indonesia's borders. Air quality in parts of neighboring Malaysia and Singapore has also been affected, with wind direction influencing how smoke moves across the region. Indonesian authorities have therefore been monitoring both fire conditions and atmospheric movement.

Indonesia has expanded firefighting operations by deploying more than 50 aircraft for water bombing and weather-modification efforts. Japan has also provided three CH-47 Chinook helicopters to support firefighting operations.

The government has also urged farmers, individuals and companies to avoid using fire to clear land during the prolonged dry period. The warning reflects the difficulty of controlling fires when natural conditions already favor rapid spread and when new ignition sources continue to appear.

For communities living near affected forests and peatlands, the coming weeks remain uncertain. Until substantial rainfall arrives, firefighting teams will continue working against a landscape where dry conditions can turn a small fire into a much larger problem.

Image Disclaimer:

Illustrations were created using AI tools and are not real photographs of the affected wildfire locations.

Sources:

CNA Reuters ANTARA News