Illegal Forest Fires and Haze in Indonesia - June 1995

Illegal Forest Fires and Haze in Indonesia - June 1995

**Illegal Forest Fires and Haze in Indonesia: Current Situation**

Since the 1990s, illegal forest fires have become a severe environmental issue in Indonesia. Mainly on Sumatra Island and Kalimantan Island (Borneo), illegal forest fires are set for land development purposes, and millions of hectares of forest are lost each year. The rapid growth of the palm oil and pulp and paper industries has driven companies and individuals to intentionally set fires, increasing the number of cases.

As of 1995, the haze from illegal forest fires in Indonesia also affected neighboring countries, particularly Singapore and Malaysia, where air pollution worsened. The primary cause of this haze is fires in Indonesia's peatlands. Peatlands become highly flammable when dry, and once a fire starts, it can burn for extended periods, producing enormous amounts of smoke. In 1995, approximately 2 million hectares were burned in Indonesia due to forest fires, resulting in widespread visibility issues and respiratory health problems across Indonesia and neighboring countries.

The Indonesian government has implemented measures to combat this issue, but enforcement of fire regulations remains insufficient, especially regarding the monitoring and punishment of illegal activities. Companies reportedly involved in using fires to clear land include major palm oil producers like "Wilmar International" and pulp and paper companies such as "Asia Pulp & Paper." These companies have been accused of using fire as a means of clearing forested areas for agriculture, drawing international criticism.

The haze from these forest fires has caused significant health problems for local residents and surrounding countries. Additionally, the poor visibility caused an increase in traffic accidents, delayed flights, and the closure of schools, creating widespread societal impacts. Furthermore, the haze has dramatically increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the acceleration of global warming.

In terms of compensation, during the 1997 forest fires, the Singaporean government sought damages from the Indonesian government for the health impacts and economic losses caused by the haze, but in 1995, no clear compensation system had been established. The international community has called on the Indonesian government to strengthen its enforcement against illegal forest fires and enhance reforestation efforts.