Indonesia Minister Admits Forest Fires Are Difficult to Put Out as 1.9 Million Hectares of Land Burn

As transboundary haze continues to shroud parts of Malaysia, the Indonesian government has officially defended its response efforts, insisting that authorities are working tirelessly despite encountering immense natural and logistical obstacles on the ground.

According to Utusan Malaysia, the response comes amid growing frustration from the public and online criticism regarding the choking air quality currently affecting neighboring countries, with claims suggesting a sluggish response to the crisis.

“People don’t see what is happening on the ground”

Addressing the situation, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman, denied allegations that the government has been slow to react to the escalating forest fires.

Speaking during a 45-minute video conference, Dudung emphasised that key ministries and agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Forestry, and the Ministry of Environment, are actively coordinating firefighting operations.

“The Forestry Minister is genuinely serious about carrying out his duties. The public simply does not know everything that is being done behind the scenes,” Dudung stated, addressing backlash over the spreading haze.

He acknowledged the harsh realities faced by firefighters on the frontlines, where rapidly spreading bushfires, dense smoke, and hard-to-reach locations make extinguishing peatland blazes exceptionally difficult.

Dudung also touched upon online critiques concerning Indonesia’s alleged lack of response to Malaysia’s offers of assistance, explaining the complex challenges hindering rapid containment.

Over 1.9 million hectares burned, an area 12 times the size of London

Utusan Malaysia further reported that the true scale of the environmental disaster has been highlighted by environmental monitoring group Nusantara Atlas. According to their satellite image analysis, more than 1.9 million hectares (1,916,588 hectares) of land across Indonesia were consumed by fire between January and late September this year alone.

Nusantara Atlas founder David Gaveau pointed out that this burned area is nearly 12 times the total size of London. Worse still, the actual damage is likely much higher than official estimates.

“The calculations for this year were affected because thick haze obscured satellite imagery at certain times.

“Therefore, the reported total burned area is actually lower than the real figure,” Gaveau explained.

How is the air quality in your area today? Are you wearing masks outdoors? Let us know in the comments below!

Also read: “We are still capable” – Indonesia Says It Can Handle Forest Fires With Its Own Resources Despite M’sia’s Offer to Help