Study estimates 3,560 wildfire-smoke deaths in Indonesia in September

Crime · First reported 30 Oct, 06:37 · Updated 06:48

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air estimated that wildfire smoke caused 3,560 deaths in Indonesia in September 2026, while about 57.8 million people experienced unhealthy-to-hazardous air. The fuller report also estimated deaths from other pollution sources and called for peatland restoration and stronger enforcement against illegal burning.

CREA estimated 3,560 deaths from short-term PM2.5 pollution linked to fires in September, twice its August estimate; about 57.8 million people were exposed to unhealthy-to-hazardous air.
The fuller report estimated a further 1,750 deaths from non-fire pollution, bringing its total estimate for September to 5,310; it also cited more than 330,000 recorded acute respiratory infections.
CREA recommended shifting from wildfire response toward peatland restoration, with stronger enforcement against illegal burning and greater legal accountability for concession holders.

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Key facts

Estimated deaths from fire-related PM2.5 pollution: 3,560 in September 2026; twice the August estimate.
People exposed to unhealthy-to-hazardous air: About 57.8 million in Indonesia in September.
Estimated deaths from other pollution sources: 1,750; the report's total estimate from fire and non-fire pollution was 5,310.
Recorded acute respiratory infection cases: More than 330,000 countrywide.