Post by : Shweta
Students Protest Wildfire Haze in Palangkaraya
Hundreds of students protested in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, on Friday night, October 23, 2026, demanding stronger government action to address a prolonged wildfire crisis. Forest fires have covered the city and surrounding areas with thick haze for months, reducing visibility and raising concerns about the effects of polluted air on residents.
Protesters Call for a National Disaster Declaration
Many demonstrators wore surgical masks and carried banners calling on authorities to declare the wildfires a national disaster. Protesters said such a designation could help unlock additional assistance and resources to address the emergency. The demonstration took place outside the office of the governor of Central Kalimantan, on the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo.
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Students Raise Concerns About Public Health
Protest leader Yuyun Sanjaya called on the provincial government to acknowledge if it could not control the crisis and to support an official national disaster designation. Protesters raised concerns about people breathing dense smoke, particularly vulnerable groups such as elderly residents and newborn babies. The report said the haze had affected large numbers of people, although it did not provide a detailed breakdown of illnesses.
More Than 1.9 Million Hectares Reportedly Burned
According to deforestation monitor Nusantara Atlas, wildfires burned more than 1.9 million hectares in the nine months through September 2026. The report noted that the Indonesian government had neither confirmed nor denied this estimate. The figure should therefore be attributed to the monitoring organisation rather than presented as an officially confirmed government total.
Haze Spreads Beyond Indonesia
The smoke has affected communities across Indonesia and reportedly reached neighbouring Malaysia, Singapore and Timor-Leste. The cross-border impact has prompted diplomatic objections from neighbouring countries, according to the report. The continuing haze has also contributed to public frustration and sporadic protests over the government’s response.
Protest Ends Without Reported Injuries or Arrests
During the demonstration, students sang the patriotic song “Indonesia Pusaka” and had minor confrontations with police. No injuries or arrests were reported. As night fell, the protesters cleaned up their rubbish and dispersed peacefully, according to the report.
Wildfires Also Affect Other Indonesian Regions
The wildfire crisis has extended beyond Central Kalimantan. On Thursday, schoolchildren on Java island prayed for rain as fires affected several regencies and conservation areas. The protests reflect growing calls for a stronger response to the fires, improved protection for residents and additional support for communities living under persistent haze.
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