West Kalimantan residents sue Indonesian government over toxic haze from wildfires

October 4, 2026 at 09:00 AM1 min

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Residents of West Kalimantan have filed a lawsuit against the Indonesian government over toxic haze from the province's worst wildfire season in 11 years. The fires have burned more than 48,000 hectares and caused over 116,000 acute respiratory infections in the province. The haze has also drifted across borders to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Key Facts

West Kalimantan residents have filed a lawsuit against the Indonesian government over toxic haze from wildfires.
More than 48,000 hectares of land and forest have burned in West Kalimantan since the start of the year, according to Indonesia's national disaster management agency.
Over 116,000 acute respiratory infections have been recorded in West Kalimantan, including nearly 28,000 patients under age five.
The haze has drifted across borders to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines since at least August.

Lawsuit Filed

Residents of West Kalimantan have taken the Indonesian government to court over the toxic haze. The lawsuit follows months of thick air over the province, described as 'thick enough to taste.' The legal action targets government responsibility for the wildfire crisis.

Wildfire Impact

Indonesia's worst wildfire season in 11 years has burned more than 48,000 hectares in West Kalimantan. The fires have caused over 116,000 acute respiratory infections in the province, with nearly 28,000 cases among children under five. Toxic haze has spread to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines since at least August.