Indonesians sue state over air quality as fires burn
· Climate · Indonesia
Indonesians on a fire-ravaged island are suing the state over air quality, asking the government to declare a national emergency to release resources for fire containment and recovery. Wildfires are raging across Central Kalimantan, turning skies orange and prompting orangutan rescues. The environment minister said the forest fires will be extinguished within a month, though poor visibility is hampering water-bombing and offers of foreign help remain under review.
Why it matters：The lawsuit and fires highlight Indonesia's struggle to contain annual blazes that spread haze across Southeast Asia.
Key points
- Plaintiffs want a national emergency declared.
- Fires are burning in Central Kalimantan.
- The environment minister said fires will be out within a month.
Sources (original reporting)
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