Central and regional authorities dispute responsibility while protests demand faster action against worsening fires.
Indonesia’s ongoing wildfire crisis has intensified disagreements over accountability between the central government and provincial authorities, particularly in Central Kalimantan. As fires continue across Sumatra and Kalimantan, residents are demanding faster action to address the haze and its health impacts, while officials debate their respective responsibilities for prevention, enforcement and firefighting.
Central Kalimantan Questions Jakarta’s Role
Central Kalimantan officials have questioned the division of wildfire responsibilities after the 2020 Job Creation Law centralized much of the authority over forestry licensing. Provincial environment agency head Joni Harta argued that Jakarta issues permits for business activities in forest areas while local authorities and residents are left dealing with the fires. He also complained about insufficient provincial funding and called for the release of funds owed under a reforestation revenue-sharing scheme. Governor Agustiar Sabran’s administration has faced pressure from Jakarta and local protesters to strengthen its response.
Forestry Ministry Says Responsibility Is Shared
The Forestry Ministry rejected the suggestion that wildfire control was solely Jakarta’s responsibility. Ministry public relations chief Ristianto Pribadi said fire prevention and control involved national and regional governments, businesses, law enforcement agencies and local communities, with responsibilities determined by land status, business activities and permits. In September, the ministry revoked permits held by five companies covering a combined 92,464 hectares of concessions in West, South and Central Kalimantan. By October 20, it had imposed administrative sanctions on 32 companies in connection with 12,926 hectares of burned land across seven provinces and was handling suspected criminal cases involving 125 individuals and corporations.
Protests Spread as Residents Demand Action
Public frustration has prompted demonstrations in several Indonesian cities. Students protested outside the Central Kalimantan governor’s office in Palangka Raya on October 19, calling for stronger action against the fires, a national disaster declaration and greater provincial authority to revoke companies’ concession permits. Separate demonstrations marking President Prabowo Subianto’s second anniversary in office took place on October 20 in Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Pekanbaru and Makassar, where protesters also raised concerns about wildfires and haze.
Haze Takes Growing Health and Economic Toll
Residents in Palangka Raya told AFP that prolonged haze had affected their health and livelihoods, with some families reporting persistent coughing and local businesses experiencing weaker sales. According to satellite-based estimates from the Nusantara Atlas wildfire monitor, more than 1.9 million hectares of land burned across Indonesia between January and September 2026. Smoke from the fires also contributed to air pollution affecting neighboring countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.
More Than 60,000 Firefighters Deployed
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said more than 60,000 personnel, including firefighters and volunteers, had been deployed nationwide to combat the fires. BNPB spokesperson Berton Panjaitan said 49 aircraft were available for water bombing and cloud seeding, although thick haze had intermittently prevented some from operating. The large-scale response has intensified calls for earlier detection and intervention to prevent smaller fires from spreading.
The dispute between Jakarta and provincial authorities shows that Indonesia’s wildfire crisis is now as much about accountability as firefighting. For Indonesians, prolonged haze has brought health, livelihood, and governance concerns into sharper focus. For Singaporeans, the effectiveness of Indonesia’s response remains directly relevant because smoke from the fires has crossed borders and affected air quality in Singapore.
Sources: Asia News Network (2026) , Straits Times (2026) , CNA (2026)
Keywords: Indonesia Wildfire Crisis, Central Kalimantan Fires, Indonesia Haze, Wildfire Protests, Forest Fire Accountability, Transboundary Haze
