Putting Out Forest Fires

KOMPAS/DIONISIUS REYNALDO TRIWIBOWO

A firefighter tackles a brushfire on Monday (12/8/2019) in Palangkaraya, Center Kalimantan. Thick smoke from wildfires has filled the skies above Palangkaraya, which has been rated “hazardous” on the air quality index.

The forest and peatland fire emergency is in front of our eyes. It has spread widely in several regions and disrupted healthcare and air transportation.

Fires have spread in several provinces in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Southeast Sulawesi and Papua. Schools are closed to prevent students from being affected by the worsening smog. Flights in Supadio Airport in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, are affected by the thick smog that resulted in a visibility of only 500 meters.