Indonesian Police Detain 72 Over Forest Fires as El Niño Intensifies

International · 2026-08-23 23:37:40

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Indonesian police detained 72 individuals in August 2026 for allegedly igniting forest fires. Those arrested face up to 15 years in prison.

A strengthening El Niño and an extended dry spell are worsening the conflagrations, the National Disaster Management Agency said.

Cross-border haze has severely impacted air quality in Malaysia. The Sarawak region recorded the most acute conditions.

Sources

• ABC Australia: Indonesian police arrest 72 people as fires blanket region in smoke
• PBS NewsHour: Indonesian police arrest 72 people suspected of starting forest fires