Indonesia
Archipelago
More than 3 million people in 37 cities and regencies nationwide have been directly exposed to smoke from wildfires, according to the Health Ministry, with affected regions noting a significant jump in respiratory cases since late July.
A motorcyclist and a passenger pass along a road shrouded in haze caused by wildfires on Aug. 23, 2026, in Banyuasin regency, South Sumatra. (REUTERS/Abriansyah Liberto)
Thick haze from spreading wildfires has blanketed large swaths of Indonesia, sending respiratory cases soaring, disrupting daily life and forcing schools to close as worsening air quality raises health concerns for millions.In Riau, thick haze has reduced visibility to around 500 meters in recent days, while PM2.5 levels have climbed to 235.7 micrograms (μg) per cubic meter, more than 15 times the World Health Organization's recommended 24-hour limit of 15 μg.
