Snapshot from Aug 24, 2026 at 07:00 UTC. For live data and tracking: View Live
Events / Accidents / Indonesia wildfires spread amid El Nino
Accidents natural disaster

Indonesia wildfires spread amid El Nino

Analysis based on 71 articles · First reported Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Sentiment
-30
Attention
4
Articles
71
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the Ergen Dashboard
Market Impact

The fires threaten agricultural output, particularly palm oil plantations, and could disrupt tourism at Mount Bromo. Regional haze may strain relations with Malaysia and Singapore and impact air quality, potentially affecting trade and investment sentiment.

agriculture tourism environmental services
Event Summary

Indonesia is battling widespread forest and peatland fires across six priority provinces on Sumatra and Borneo islands, exacerbated by a severe dry season linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation. As of August 11, 2026, over 107,000 hectares have burned, a 110% increase from the same period in 2023. The largest blaze is in Indonesia — Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, scorching about 743 hectares and forcing park closure. Peatland fires in Jambi have destroyed oil palm plantations and caused choking haze. Authorities have deployed 43 helicopters and thousands of firefighters, but cloud-seeding operations are hampered by lack of suitable rain clouds. Haze has spread to Malaysia's Sarawak state, with unhealthy air quality, and Singapore has warned of potential smoke. Officials expect August and September to be the most critical months.

Key Actions
90 Indonesia — Cirebon increased salt production
80 Haiti — Haitian National Police arrested
75 Indonesia deployed firefighters
70 Indonesia — Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries reported production decline
70 Indonesia — Central Kalimantan Police detained suspects
70 Prabowo Subianto ordered troop deployment Indonesia — Indonesian National Armed Forces
70 Haiti — Haitian National Police investigated
60 Indonesia closed park Indonesia — Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
60 Indonesian Salt Users Industry Association predicted production increase
60 Malaysia — Sarawak Government closed schools
60 Prabowo Subianto promised resources Indonesia
60 Prasetyo Hadi announced investigation
52 Indonesia deployed helicopters
50 Djamari Chaniago announced deployment
50 Nusantara Atlas reported burned area
+ 6 more actions View on Dashboard
Entities Involved
cnt
Indonesia
Indonesia is the epicenter of the wildfires, facing significant environmental and economic damage. The government is mobilizing resources to contain fires and mitigate haze, but the prolonged dry season poses ongoing risks.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment -40.0
loc
Borneo
Borneo island hosts several fire-affected provinces, including West, Central, and Indonesia — South Kalimantan. The fires threaten biodiversity and contribute to regional haze.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment -25.0
loc
Indonesia — Sumatra
Indonesia — Sumatra's provinces of Indonesia — Riau, Indonesia — Jambi, and Indonesia — South Sumatra are experiencing significant peatland fires, causing haze and damaging plantations.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment -25.0
per
Djamari Chaniago
As coordinating minister, Djamari Chaniago is leading the government's response, coordinating firefighting and cloud-seeding efforts. His role is central to managing the crisis.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment -10.0
loc
Indonesia — Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
The national park is a major tourist attraction, and the fire has forced its closure, impacting tourism revenue. The blaze has damaged protected vegetation and scenic areas.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment -30.0
loc
Indonesia — Java
Indonesia — Java, particularly Indonesia — East Java, is affected by the Bromo fire, impacting tourism and local communities. The fire has closed a major national park.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment -20.0
loc
Indonesia — East Java
Indonesia — East Java is home to the Bromo fire, which has damaged a national park and disrupted tourism. The fire is a major focus of firefighting efforts.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment -20.0
loc
Indonesia — Mount Bromo
Indonesia — Mount Bromo is a major tourist attraction affected by the fire, leading to park closure and economic losses for local tourism.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment -20.0
per
Raja Juli Antoni
The forestry minister is overseeing firefighting operations at Mount Bromo and urging public cooperation. His ministry is responsible for forest fire prevention and response.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment -10.0
govactor
Indonesia — National Disaster Management Agency
The agency is coordinating disaster response, deploying firefighters and resources across affected provinces. Its effectiveness is crucial in containing the fires.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment -5.0
govactor
Indonesia — Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia)
The ministry is responsible for forest fire prevention and response, reporting on fire extent and coordinating with other agencies. It faces challenges in controlling fires during the dry season.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment -10.0
loc
Malaysia — Sarawak
Malaysia — Sarawak is experiencing unhealthy air quality due to haze, leading to school activity restrictions and health concerns. This affects daily life and local economy.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment -15.0
loc
Indonesia — Riau
Indonesia — Riau is one of the priority provinces with significant peatland fires, contributing to haze and environmental damage.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment -20.0
loc
Indonesia — South Sumatra
Indonesia — South Sumatra is a priority province with fires affecting peatlands and contributing to regional haze.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment -20.0
loc
Indonesia — West Kalimantan
Indonesia — West Kalimantan is a priority province with fires and haze, leading to school closures in Indonesia — Pontianak.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment -20.0
+ 14 more entities View on Dashboard
Relationships
Indonesia related ↔ Indonesia — National Disaster Management Agency
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