Singapore weighs prosecuting firms over Indonesian fires as regional haze worsens
Singapore is considering prosecuting companies suspected of responsibility for severe Indonesian wildfires, as acrid smoke spreads across the region and public frustration grows. The haze has affected millions, disrupted schools and worsened respiratory illness, raising pressure on Jakarta and straining relations with neighbouring countries.
Drier conditions have fuelled fires described as Indonesia’s most intense in more than a decade, with land-clearing practices including slash-and-burn cited as a cause. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government was distributing masks and exploring joint action; Indonesia has sent firefighters and announced an arson crackdown, while calls grow for it to declare a national disaster to unlock funds and medical support.
- Singapore is considering action against companies linked to Indonesian fires.
- Haze has affected millions and disrupted schools across the region.
- Pressure is growing for Indonesia to declare a national disaster.
New here? Start with this
Indonesia’s dry season has brought fires across forests and peatlands, often linked to land being cleared for farming. Smoke from these fires can travel across borders, creating haze that affects air quality in neighbouring countries.
Singapore and Indonesia are both affected by the haze, but the fires are largely within Indonesian territory. Singapore has laws that can reach companies based overseas if their activities contribute to haze pollution there, while Indonesia is responsible for tackling fires on its own land.
The issue matters because prolonged exposure to smoke can harm health and disrupt daily life, and responses can test relations between neighbouring countries. Governments in the region have previously worked together on haze, though enforcement and funding remain important challenges.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Singapore could argue that prosecuting companies credibly linked to fires is a necessary way to protect public health and deter land-clearing practices that impose severe costs on people across borders. If evidence supports responsibility and legal safeguards are observed, joint action could also encourage accountability where fires affect several countries.
The case against
Critics could argue that prosecutions by Singapore risk stretching its authority over conduct in Indonesia and worsening relations when cooperation with Jakarta is essential. They may favour Indonesian-led enforcement and regional support, while cautioning that responsibility should be established through reliable evidence and that fires intensified by dry conditions cannot automatically be attributed to particular firms.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “‘Clean air is not a favour’: Indonesia’s neighbours fed up with acrid haze as Singapore threatens to prosecute”.