Indonesia's wildfire and haze crisis intensifies in West Kalimantan
Nearly 5.5 million people across Sumatra and Kalimantan are living in wildfire-smoke-affected areas, Indonesia's government says. West Kalimantan hotspots surged by 3,553 in a single day to 7,377, and visibility fell below 1km. Per BNPB via The Star/Bernama and CNN Indonesia.
Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported on August 31, 2026 that hotspots in West Kalimantan province surged by 3,553 in a single day to 7,377, with visibility dropping below one kilometer, according to BNPB data official Berton Panjaitan. Central and South Kalimantan hotspots fell over the same period, while hotspots in South Sumatra rose by 209 to 1,013. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono said nearly 5.5 million people across Sumatra and Kalimantan live in fire-and-haze-affected areas, with more than 13,500 acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases logged cumulatively since July and 4,082 people still suffering as of August 30, adding that this year's health impact is worse than last year's. Indonesia's Environment Ministry has flagged 42 companies for possible action over fires detected within their land concessions, with 19 already undergoing field verification. Sources: The Star/Bernama, CNN Indonesia.