Indonesia's Fire Hotspots Quadruple to 1,104 as Haze Disrupts Thousands of Flights

The source of the haze affecting much of the region got worse over the weekend. Indonesia's count of forest and land fire hotspots more than quadrupled in a single day, with Kalimantan hit hardest.

As reported by Malay Mail, citing Bernama, Indonesia's Forestry Ministry said hotspots rose to 1,104 on 18 October, up from 270 the day before.

Kalimantan bears the brunt

The ministry's figures showed sharp jumps in several provinces:

• Central Kalimantan: 495 hotspots, up from 92.
• West Kalimantan: 174, up from 22.
• South Sumatra: 51, up from nine.
• South Kalimantan: 19, up from two.
• Jambi: nine, after none the previous day.
• Riau: remained at zero.

The ministry said the increases followed several days of relatively low counts in Central and West Kalimantan, despite ongoing firefighting. Air quality fell to very unhealthy and hazardous levels across much of Central Kalimantan, while West, South and East Kalimantan recorded unhealthy to very unhealthy conditions.

Firefighting effort

A total of 61 aircraft remained deployed in Central and West Kalimantan: 44 for water bombing and 17 for aerial patrols and weather modification. The two provinces are among six priority areas for firefighting, alongside South Sumatra, South Kalimantan, Jambi and Riau. Joint teams are using ground firefighting, water bombing, aerial patrols and prevention and control measures.

The jump from 270 to 1,104 hotspots in one day shows how quickly conditions can change, even with dozens of aircraft already deployed.

Thousands of flights disrupted

Separately, Indonesia's Transportation Ministry said haze affected 2,458 scheduled domestic flights between 11 August and 17 October, according to state news agency Antara. Civil Aviation Director General Lukman F Laisa gave this breakdown:

1. 1,080 flights delayed.
2. 1,324 flights cancelled or postponed.
3. 22 flights diverted to other airports.
4. Six forced to return to their departure airports.
5. 26 rescheduled to depart earlier.

Why it matters for Malaysia

Smoke from fires in Indonesia has been blamed for the haze over parts of Malaysia, including Johor, where schools have been closed. A sharp rise in hotspots, especially in Kalimantan, which lies next to Sabah and Sarawak, is worth watching. How much smoke reaches Malaysia depends heavily on wind direction and rainfall, so a rise in hotspots does not automatically mean worse air the next day, but it raises the risk.

For travellers, the flight figures are a reminder that haze can disrupt air travel within Indonesia. Anyone flying to or within affected provinces should check with their airline before heading to the airport.

Protecting yourself at home

While regional authorities fight the fires, households in affected areas can reduce exposure by keeping windows closed on bad days, limiting outdoor activity when the Air Pollutant Index is high and using air purifiers where possible. Our guide to haze season air quality monitors explains how to track indoor air quality.

Understanding hotspot numbers

Hotspot counts are usually based on satellite detection of unusually hot spots on the ground. They are a useful indicator of fire activity, but they are not a direct measure of how much smoke is produced or where it will travel. A small number of large peat fires can create heavy smoke, while many small fires may burn out quickly. That is why daily counts can swing sharply, as they did between 17 and 18 October, and why they are best read alongside air quality readings and weather forecasts.

Peat fires in particular are difficult to extinguish because they can smoulder underground for long periods. This helps explain why authorities emphasise prevention and why firefighting on the ground is combined with water bombing and weather modification from the air.

For Malaysians, the most useful daily guide remains the local Air Pollutant Index. Checking it before outdoor activities, school runs or exercise gives a far better picture of what you are actually breathing than regional hotspot totals, which can change dramatically from one day to the next.

Keeping an eye on official weather forecasts also helps, since rain is often the factor that finally brings relief.

Travellers with trips planned to Kalimantan or Sumatra should build in extra time, keep travel insurance details handy and follow airline notifications closely, since the Transportation Ministry's figures show that delays, cancellations and diversions have all been common since August. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should also pack their medication and suitable masks.

Updates from official agencies remain the most reliable guide as the situation develops.

FAQ

How many hotspots were recorded?

1,104 on 18 October, up from 270 the day before, according to Indonesia's Forestry Ministry.

Which province had the most?

Central Kalimantan, with 495 hotspots.

How many flights were affected?

2,458 domestic flights between 11 August and 17 October, Indonesia's Transportation Ministry said.

The latest figures suggest the fire season is far from over. Until rains arrive in earnest, haze will remain a regional problem that no single country can solve alone.