In July alone, the flames consumed almost 95,000 hectares, with over 73,300 hectares located in the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) says a strong El Niño caused a severe drought across most of the country, creating the dry conditions that allow fires to spread quickly.

However, the Ministry of Forestry identified human ignition sources as the spark: illegal land clearing for oil‑palm plantations and authorised road‑building projects set fire to the vegetation.

Peatlands in Sumatra, Kalimantan and West Papua, which store large amounts of carbon, have been degraded by conversion to plantations. According to the peatland watchdog Pantau Gambut, these degraded peat soils become dry and highly flammable, releasing massive carbon when they burn.

Police arrested 72 people suspected of starting forest fires, and investigators are tracing financial records to see whether companies funded or ordered the clearings, said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, director‑general of Forestry Law Enforcement.

When peat fires rage, they emit huge quantities of greenhouse gases, worsening air quality across Southeast Asia and threatening the health of millions, as well as the habitat of endangered orangutans. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) warned that the haze puts the health of millions at risk.