Fires in Indonesia cause pollution in Singapore and destroy homes

How serious is the pollution recorded in the region?

The situation reached an alarming level in mid-October, when the Pollutant Standard Index reached 225 in central Singapore. This value places the air quality in the very unhealthy category, which represents a direct risk to the health of the population. The Singapore government identified that the origin of the smoke is linked to fires on land managed by seven companies in Indonesia. These companies must be notified with preventive measures based on laws that combat cross-border pollution, as toxic smoke does not respect national borders.

How are the fires affecting the communities most in need?

The social impact is devastating, especially in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Poor families lost their homes to the fire that consumes peatlands, which are land formed by layers of decomposed vegetation that burn easily. In addition to the material loss, the right to education was interrupted, with schools remaining closed for up to 30 days due to air toxicity. Experts point out that air pollution is a violation of the right to a safe environment and health, preventing children from studying and adults from working to ensure their own livelihood.

What measures are being taken to assist victims?

Religious groups, such as the Franciscans and Capuchins, are on the front lines of humanitarian support. They collaborate with bishops and local governments to provide clean water and help rebuild homes destroyed by fire. In addition to immediate relief, the organizations argue that the response must include the prevention of environmental disasters and the fight for climate justice. The objective is to ensure that the poor, who contribute least to the problem and are the first to suffer from the damage, can live with dignity and security in the midst of the regional ecological crisis.

Are there alternatives to prevent these fires from continuing to occur?

Regional leaders suggest changes in agricultural practices to contain the problem. One of the proposals is the reuse of old palm trees, which today are often discarded through fire. Instead of burning, these trees could be transformed into raw material for the production of cellulose, paper, pellets or mulch for the soil. This change in mindset and the use of renewable resources are considered critical for an effective response to the crisis, requiring the conversion of production methods and a sense of shared responsibility for future generations.