Indonesia Blames Food Estates for Worst Wildfires

Indonesia is facing its most severe wildfire season in over a decade, with officials pointing to the degradation of peatland ecosystems by historical food estate projects as a primary cause. This long-standing damage has rendered vast areas of peatland highly susceptible to ignition, particularly during El Niño-driven droughts. Hundreds of thousands have suffered respiratory illnesses, and thick haze has blanketed Indonesian cities and drifted into neighbouring countries.

Specific regions like Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra are disproportionately affected by peatland fires, which smolder underground and emit dense smoke. Deputy food minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq highlighted extensive drainage efforts from the 1990s as a key factor in altering peatlands' natural properties. Efforts are now underway to rewet peatlands and improve water management, a strategy acknowledged as simple yet long neglected.

Peatland protection groups estimate that a significant portion of Indonesia's peatland has been damaged, increasing fire risk. Restoration efforts remain limited, with much of the damaged land converted into monoculture plantations, primarily oil palm. Residents in heavily affected cities are protesting, urging more effective government action as they endure hazardous air quality.