Indonesia Malaysia haze cloud seeding cooperation
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Aug 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026
The haze crisis disrupts economic activity in affected regions, including school closures, flight delays, and reduced visibility affecting transport and agriculture. Cross-border cooperation on cloud seeding and firefighting may mitigate some impacts, but prolonged dry conditions could extend disruptions and strain regional relations.
In August 2026, severe forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, exacerbated by El Nino and a prolonged dry season, generated dense haze that blanketed parts of Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia, particularly Malaysia — Sarawak on Borneo. The haze led to dozens of school closures in Malaysia, affecting nearly 600 schools and about 200,000 students in Malaysia — Sarawak, and prompted authorities in Indonesia — Pekanbaru, Indonesia — Riau, to shift to online classes. On August 24, Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup announced that Indonesia had granted Malaysian agencies official permission to enter its airspace for cloud seeding operations. Malaysia's Indonesia — National Disaster Management Agency and Meteorological Department were preparing schedules for cloud seeding in shared border locations, coordinated with the Indonesia — Indonesian National Armed Forces. Malaysia also offered assistance to Indonesia in extinguishing fires. Indonesia resumed cloud seeding over Indonesia — Kalimantan and deployed helicopters for water-bombing, while police arrested 72 people suspected of starting fires. Both countries agreed to escalate firefighting and prevention programs ahead of national holidays, including Malaysia Day on September 16.
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