Indonesia Faces Severe Wildfires Amid El Niño Challenges

On October 27, 2026, Indonesia is contending with its most severe wildfires in over a decade. The situation is exacerbated by the weather phenomenon known as El Niño, which contributes to drier conditions throughout the region. A significant number of these fires have been intentionally ignited to clear land for agricultural pursuits, particularly for establishing palm oil plantations.

The impact of these wildfires is profound. More than 12,000 educational institutions have been forced to shut down across Indonesia due to the pervasive and hazardous haze resulting from the fires. The smoke not only affects the environment but also poses serious health risks to the population.

Nathaniel Undas, serving as a school principal and an avid photographer, has taken on the task of raising awareness about these fires. He actively documents the unfolding crisis and shares his insights and images on social media platforms, drawing national and international attention to the dire situation.