In Indonesia, youth exasperated by fires: "Our country is burning, both literally and figuratively"

Protests erupted across Indonesia on October 28, with thousands demonstrating against the government's handling of ongoing wildfires. Activists, led by a student coalition, criticized the authorities for their inaction and the pollution caused by toxic smoke affecting neighboring countries. They demand recognition of the fires as a national disaster, accountability for responsible companies, and ecosystem restoration. Some protesters suspect government complicity in the fires, alleging that political figures benefit from the land clearing practices.