Pekanbaru, Riau. Forest and land fires are worsening across several provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan, blanketing communities in thick haze, disrupting flights and school activities, and raising concerns over public health.

Forest and land fires have burned 64,341 hectares across Indonesia, with most of the affected areas concentrated in five provinces in the two regions, according to National Police data released Sunday.

Residents reported thick haze and a strong odor from peatland fires. Despite wearing masks to reduce their exposure to smoke, they said they had begun experiencing shortness of breath.

With the fires spreading and their impact growing, President Prabowo Subianto has been directly overseeing the government’s efforts to contain the outbreak. He has inspected fire-hit areas in Kalimantan and is set to continue his assessment in Sumatra, beginning in Riau, as the government steps up firefighting operations and measures to protect affected communities.

The following photos capture the fires, haze and their impact on daily life across affected areas.

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