Indonesia Faces Worst Peat Wildfire Season in a Decade

The Indonesian region of central Kalimantan is currently experiencing its worst wildfire season in a decade, largely due to fires burning in peatlands, according to BBC correspondent Liza Tambunan.

Peat is a type of soil made up of partially decayed organic matter that accumulates in waterlogged conditions. When dry, peat becomes highly flammable and difficult to extinguish, making peat fires particularly dangerous and persistent.

These fires release significant amounts of smoke and greenhouse gases, contributing to air pollution and climate change. The smoke also poses severe health risks to local populations and disrupts daily life.

Indonesia's peat fires are often linked to land clearing practices, which exacerbate the risk of uncontrolled blazes during dry seasons. Efforts to manage and prevent peat fires are critical to protecting the environment and public health in the region.

Source: bbc.co.uk · Reported for RICHTVX, Politics desk.