Indonesia Tests Dry Ice to Combat Haze as Four Firefighters Die in National Park
Indonesia is testing dry ice dispersal to combat toxic haze from its worst fire season in over a decade, while four firefighters died in a national park. The crisis, driven by a 'godzilla' El Niño and slash-and-burn practices, has caused severe health issues and diplomatic tensions across Southeast Asia.
Key points
- Indonesia’s government is testing dry ice dispersal in South Sumatra to tackle haze, a method first used in the 1940s.
- Four people were killed and two injured while fighting wildfires in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java.
- Nearly 900,000 hectares have burned since January, exacerbated by a 'godzilla' El Niño and land-clearing practices.
- Neighboring countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, are experiencing severe air quality issues, leading to school closures and health subsidies.
- President Prabowo Subianto has approved accepting foreign aid, though Malaysia’s offer of helicopters and personnel has not yet been followed up.
Background
This crisis follows months of escalating wildfires in Indonesia, which our archive indicates have been driven by a 'super' El Niño and decades of peatland drainage. Previous reports highlighted over 175,000 respiratory cases and diplomatic tensions, including Singapore’s threat of legal action against palm oil firms linked to the fires.
How outlets are covering it
The Guardian emphasizes the experimental nature of the dry ice solution, noting experts view it as a temporary, local fix. AP News and Al Jazeera focus on the human cost, highlighting the deaths of four firefighters in a national park. Al Jazeera also notes the government’s acceptance of foreign aid, while The Guardian points to the lack of follow-up on Malaysia’s offer of assistance.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the transboundary impact of climate change and land-use practices, causing severe health and economic disruptions across Southeast Asia. It underscores the need for international cooperation and effective firefighting strategies to address recurring environmental crises.
What to watch
Indonesia will monitor the results of the dry ice trial to determine if it can be expanded to other regions. The government is expected to continue seeking international aid, while neighboring countries may escalate diplomatic pressure or legal actions if the haze persists.
- Indonesia fights fire with dry ice as toxic haze spreads across region The Guardian
- Indonesia's president ready to accept foreign assistance to combat fires, foreign minister says Reuters
- Wildfire traps firefighters and volunteers in Indonesia’s Mount Bromo national park, killing 4 AP News
- Four killed as Indonesia battles worst forest fires in more than a decade Al Jazeera
- ‘We have to live with it’: Indonesia’s worst fires in years wreak havoc Financial Times
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Read on The Guardian