Indonesia deployed an additional 1,500 soldiers, comprising three battalions, to Borneo starting Aug 22-23 to help contain worsening wildfires. [1, 2, 3] Six helicopters also arrived in Kalimantan around the same time to bolster waterbombing efforts. [1, 2, 3]
President Prabowo Subianto visited West and Central Kalimantan on Aug 22-23 to oversee firefighting activities and coordinate relief efforts. He stressed, "The important thing is that we immediately stop the spread and the increase in fire hot spots." [2, 4] Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said, "An additional three Indonesia National Armed Forces battalions, or around 1,500 personnel, will be brought in from outside Kalimantan starting today." [1]
More than 200,000 hectares have burned in Borneo and other parts of Indonesia between January and July 2026, an area roughly three times the size of Jakarta. [1, 5, 6] The burnt area already exceeds previous El Nino fire seasons in 2019 and 2023 but is less than the severe 2015 outbreak. [1, 7, 4]
Dry conditions fueling the fires are linked to a powerful El Nino weather pattern intensified by human-caused climate change. [1, 8, 4]
Smoke from the wildfires has caused unhealthy air quality in six areas of Sarawak state in Malaysian Borneo. [1, 4] The fires have also forced temporary school closures in West Kalimantan and caused respiratory problems among residents. [8]
The government is mobilizing helicopters, water pumps, drilling equipment, fire engines, and water tankers against the fires. [2, 5] Authorities confirmed investigations on four companies in West Kalimantan suspected of causing fires. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said, "If violations are found, we will not hesitate to take action." [2]
Satellite data on Aug 20 registered more than 224,000 fire hot spots across Indonesia, indicating extensive fire activity. [8] President Prabowo ordered the troop deployment during his Aug 22 visit to the affected regions. [7, 3]
Officials continue firefighting and monitoring efforts as the situation develops, with additional troops and equipment expected to strengthen containment operations.
