Indonesia’s limestone caves on Sulawesi hold the world’s oldest known prehistoric paintings. The art includes human‑like figures with a pig in Maros‑Pangkep and a reddish hand stencil on Muna island. Understanding why these fragile works are at risk is essential for anyone interested in early human history.

The country is battling its most intense forest and land fires since 2015, driven by a severe El Niño that has raised temperatures and cut rainfall. Researchers note that the hotter, drier conditions leave forests and peatlands especially vulnerable to ignition.

Firefighter Muhammad Ikfar said the blaze burned over 270 hectares from Sept 30 to Oct 18. He added it came within 800 m of the Maros‑Pangkep cave.

Griffith University archaeologist Basran Burhan warned that even without direct flame, the heat can accelerate corrosion, while soot can blur the images. He explained that the Maros‑Pangkep painting, dated to at least 51,200 years old, and the Muna hand stencil, dated to at least 67,800 years old, are the world’s oldest prehistoric paintings, and losing them would erase vital evidence of human history.

Firefighters continue to try to contain the blazes, but dry conditions and the absence of rain keep the threat alive. Without swift mitigation, the priceless cave art could be permanently damaged, taking with it a unique glimpse into our ancestors.