In Indonesia, air pollution from fires caused the death of 3,560 people in September

In Indonesia, air pollution from wildfires led to approximately 3,560 deaths in September 2026, doubling the toll from August. The CREA reported that 57.8 million people experienced unhealthy air quality. The study linked short-term exposure to PM2.5 particles to increased mortality risk. Pollution levels exceeded WHO guidelines significantly, especially in Kalimantan. Additionally, urban and industrial pollution caused 1,750 more deaths. The ongoing drought, exacerbated by El Niño, has intensified forest fires, affecting air quality in neighboring countries. Experts attribute these fires to slash-and-burn practices by various industries. The CREA urges the government to restore peatlands and enforce stricter emission standards.