In brief
A thick orange veil of smoke has rolled into Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, shrouding the city in a blinding haze that forces residents to wear masks and stay indoors. The Indonesian Ministry of Environment reports the Air Pollution Index peaked at 1,244 – more than four times the hazardous threshold – while experts attribute the crisis to slash‑and‑burn land‑clearing fueling fires on the island’s western side. The haze is affecting not only Indonesia but also neighboring Singapore and Malaysia, raising alarms over health risks and water contamination. Local officials urge caution, and environmental groups call for stricter enforcement of land‑clearing regulations.
Smoke Over Palangka Raya
A dense orange haze has rolled into Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan, shrouding the city in a thick veil of smoke that blocks daylight.
Residents recorded the smoke on their phones as it crept through streets, trees and rooftops, and had to use face masks to breathe in the polluted air.
The Indonesian Ministry of Environment reports the Air Pollution Index for the city peaked at 1,244 on Thursday – more than four times the hazardous threshold of 300 – signalling a severe health risk for people with respiratory conditions.
Experts link the haze to ongoing slash‑and‑burn clearing that fuels forest fires on the island’s western side, a practice that releases large volumes of particulate matter and toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The haze is not limited to Indonesia; cities in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia have also reported drops in air quality, prompting government warnings about possible contamination of drinking water supplies.
Local officials are urging citizens to stay indoors, keep windows closed and follow health advisories, while environmental groups call for stricter enforcement of land‑clearing regulations.
