Orange Haze Blankets Palangka Raya as Indonesian Wildfires Rage

Thick orange smog descended on Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan, after nearby wildfires intensified, turning the sky into a dense, amber‑coloured veil.

Residents captured video of the haze enveloping streets and homes, sharing the footage on social media to illustrate the severity of the situation. The smoke, described by locals as a “wall of orange,” reduced visibility and prompted concerns about air quality.

Authorities have confirmed that the fires, which continue to burn across the region’s forested areas, are the primary source of the haze. Efforts to contain the blazes are ongoing, but the scale of the fires has made mitigation challenging.

The incident adds to a pattern of seasonal haze events in Southeast Asia, which have previously affected health, transportation and regional economies.

Why It Matters

The haze highlights recurring air‑quality crises in Southeast Asia that can impact travel, health and trade links with the United States and Europe.