Southeast Asia's worst haze in over a decade sparks student protests
Summary
Thousands of students across Indonesia are protesting the government’s response to the worst haze in over a decade, as toxic smoke from forest and peatland fires blankets cities and spreads across Southeast Asia. The pollution has triggered health concerns, school closures and diplomatic tensions in the region.
Key Points
- Thousands of students in Indonesia have taken to the streets to demand stronger government action against toxic haze from forest and peatland fires.
- More than 333,470 residents across seven Indonesian provinces have suffered acute respiratory illnesses since mid-August, according to the Health Ministry.
- The haze has spread to Singapore, Malaysia, East Timor and the Philippines, worsening air quality and prompting legal action by Singapore against seven Indonesian companies.
- Experts say low rainfall, extreme heat, climate change and a strong El Niño have intensified the fires this year.
