Countries: Indonesia, Philippines Source: Save the Children JAKARTA, 7 Sept 2026 – Haze from wildfires across Indonesia, intensified by El Niño-driven dry conditions, is spreading across Southeast Asia, threatening children’s health and forcing more than 1.4 million students into remote learning, Save the Children said. Intense wildfires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sumatra regions have burned thousands of hectares of land including on Borneo, the world’s third largest island and home to one of its most biodiverse tropical rainforests. The fires have released what the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service described as “massive” carbon emissions.[1] More than 1.4 million students in affected areas in Indonesia have moved to online or remote learning while the air quality remains dangerous. About 12,800 schools across Borneo and Sumatra remain closed shut, according to government data. Save the Children has distributed 8,500 masks to children and families across three districts in Kalimantan. The charity is also raising awareness about how children and families can protect themselves from the harmful effects of haze through posters and leaflets. Capital cities in Southeast Asia were ranked among the top 10 cities with the worst air pollution globally on Monday. The haze had spread as far as the Philippines more than 800 kms (497 miles) away. [2] While parts of Southeast Asia experience an annual slash-and-burn season, often linked to agricultural expansion including some illegal fire practices, Indonesia is facing especially severe conditions this year. A powerful El Niño event is driving prolonged dry weather and heightened wildfire risk that is expected to continue into early 2027 [3]. While air pollution affects everyone, children are among the most vulnerable because their bodies, organs and immune systems are still not fully matured and children absorb more pollutants than adults as they tend to breathe faster, said Save the Children. Exacerbating the situation, the volcano Anak Krakatau is erupting in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, spewing ash across Western Indonesia and affecting communities, schools, fishing activities, and international air travel. [4] Save the Children is raising awareness among communities in Indonesia affected by the most recent eruption including through “How-To” infographics aimed at helping to keep children safe during a volcanic eruption. [5] Arshad Malik, Regional Director Asia, Save the Children, said: “The Earth, our home, is on fire, and children including here in Asia are being left to bear the consequences. Wildfire smoke in Indonesia has now spread further afield and is exposing children to harmful air pollution that can impair lung development and respiratory health before their lungs have fully matured while their education and wellbeing also suffer. “This is not just a health or an environmental crisis, it is a child rights crisis. Governments and corporations must act now to tackle the root causes of these wildfires, prevent future wildfires and protect children from the devastating impacts of exposure to polluted air.” Save the Children has been working in Indonesia since 1976, responding to major humanitarian disasters like the 2004 tsunami and the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake. Save the Children works in over 100 countries tackling climate change across everything we do and putting children at the heart of climate action. References: [1] https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/copernicus-indonesias-seasonal-fires-intensify-boreal-wildfire-smoke-impacts-northern-hemisphere [2] https://www.iqair.com/gb/world-air-quality-ranking [3] https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/el-nino-set-become-very-strong-raising-risks-of-extreme-weather-2027 [4] Volcanic Eruption Map spotlight: https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/volcanic-eruption-map-spotlight-anak-krakatau-indonesia [5] https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc72RIIk4QN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Indonesia wildfire haze threatens children across SE Asia and closes schools
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