Indonesia Wildfire Crisis: Toxic Smoke Linked to 3,560 Deaths as 57.8 Million Face Dangerous Air Pollution

Toxic smoke from widespread wildfires in Indonesia caused an estimated 3,560 deaths during September 2026, according to a new scientific report.

The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released the findings on October 29, highlighting the worsening public health emergency.

Researchers estimated that approximately 57.8 million people experienced unhealthy or hazardous air pollution during September.

According to CREA, estimated deaths linked to wildfire pollution doubled compared with August.

The study examined exposure to PM2.5, microscopic particles capable of entering the lungs and bloodstream.

These pollutants increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and premature death.

The worst affected regions included Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and eastern Indonesia.

Researchers estimated that pollution from vehicles, industries, and power generation caused another 1,750 deaths.

Combined with wildfire-related fatalities, total estimated air pollution deaths reached 5,310 during September.

The report also revealed that more than 330,000 acute respiratory infections had been recorded nationwide.

Prolonged drought and El Nino conditions have intensified Indonesia’s wildfire crisis.

According to environmental monitoring estimates, fires destroyed more than 1.9 million hectares between January and September.

Toxic haze also spread to neighboring countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.

Indonesia deployed more than 72,000 personnel for firefighting and cloud-seeding operations.

Authorities also distributed 5.3 million protective masks.

However, environmental experts criticized inadequate preparedness and urged stronger action against illegal land clearing.

Researchers recommended restoring damaged peatlands and enforcing stricter industrial emission standards.

The figures represent scientific mortality estimates, not individually confirmed deaths.