Indonesia deploys over 100,000 to fight forest fires

Indonesia has deployed more than 100,000 personnel to its Forest and Land Fire Task Forces throughout 2026, according to the national disaster agency. The teams work to prevent and suppress fires across the archipelago. The task forces bring together military personnel, police, local government workers, and volunteers. They patrol fire-prone areas, extinguish blazes, and support community education on safe land clearing. Indonesia faces seasonal forest and land fires each year, often linked to dry conditions and agricultural burning. The fires can produce thick haze that affects air quality across the region. The agency said the large-scale deployment reflects the government's focus on faster fire response and stronger prevention efforts.