Indonesia's Kalimantan Region Choked by Orange Smog Amid Wildfires
Air quality in Palangka Raya reaches hazardous levels as "slash and burn" tactics contribute to widespread haze.
Climate & Environment • 3 hours ago
A thick orange smog has descended upon the Indonesian city of Palangka Raya, casting a pall over the Kalimantan region where wildfires continue to burn.
Witnesses have captured videos of the dense haze engulfing the area. According to data from the national environment ministry, the ISPU air pollution index in Palangka Raya exceeded 1,200 on Wednesday. This level is more than four times higher than the "hazardous" threshold of 300.
The toxic smog is affecting millions across Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Authorities have partly attributed the intensifying haze to agricultural clearing methods, specifically the practice known as "slash and burn," which exacerbates the situation.