Indonesia's Underground Peat Fires Pose Severe Environmental Threat
Persistent peatland fires release massive greenhouse gases and toxic smoke across Southeast Asia.
1The Nature of Peat Fires
Unlike typical wildfires, peat fires smolder underground through dried wetland soils at low temperatures. This makes them extremely persistent and challenging to extinguish. Peat fires produce 3x more fine particulate matter than forest fires, along with significantly higher sulfur dioxide, organic carbon, methane and carbon monoxide emissions. Indonesia contains 36% of the world's tropical peatlands, making it particularly vulnerable to these dangerous fires during drought conditions.
22026 Fire Season Escalation
NASA's Aqua satellite captured extensive fire activity on September 1, 2026, with each red dot representing a thermal anomaly detection. The season began earlier than normal, with fires already burning for a month and releasing 10% of 2015's catastrophic emissions. Indonesia's meteorological agency reported 90% of the country received little to no rainfall in early August, mirroring the severe drought conditions of 2015 when fires emitted 1.75 billion tons of greenhouse gases - exceeding Japan's annual emissions.
3El Niño's Intensifying Impact
The 2026 fires are being exacerbated by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern, which commonly reduces Indonesian rainfall. Columbia University researcher Robert Field notes fire activity is tracking sharply upward similar to 2015, with the drought making fire-prone areas even drier. When combined with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole phase, the drying effect becomes more pronounced. Field's Global Fire Weather Database shows these conditions were anticipated but remain concerning.
4Peatland Vulnerability
Normally wet peat deposits in Kalimantan, Sumatra and Papua become highly flammable during drought. Surface fires are manageable, but underground peat fires persist until seasonal rains arrive in October/November. Field research by University of Maryland's Mark Cochrane reveals these conditions trace back to 1990s irrigation projects that drained peat swamps for agriculture, lowering water tables. Widespread oil palm plantations have further increased landscape combustibility.
5Satellite Monitoring Challenges
Indonesia relies on NASA and NOAA satellites like MODIS and VIIRS for fire detection, with the SiPongi platform counting 946 hotspots on August 31, 2026. However, these instruments struggle to detect fires hidden by smoke, under forest canopies, or smoldering underground. Paradoxically, the worst smoke events can obscure satellite views, sometimes showing decreased detections during peak intensity. New methods using Landsat and Sentinel-2 shortwave infrared aim to improve understory fire detection.
6Human Impact and Health Risks
Indonesian officials warn large populations are being exposed to hazardous smoke, with neighboring countries also affected. The 2015 crisis blanketed regions in smoke for weeks, disrupting millions of lives. Current conditions suggest similar health impacts, with peat fires producing exceptionally toxic emissions. The prolonged nature of underground fires means smoke exposure could continue for months without substantial rainfall.
7Post-2015 Protection Measures
Following the 2015 disaster, initiatives included wetland restoration through canal blocking, enhanced firefighting capabilities, and prevention programs. University of Maryland's Shi Jun Wee describes 2026 as a 'stress test' for these measures. While progress has been made, the current season's intensity demonstrates the ongoing challenge of managing fire risk in drained peatlands, especially during extreme drought conditions.
8Long-term Environmental Consequences
Peat fires represent a significant climate threat, releasing centuries of stored carbon in weeks. The 2026 emissions already contribute substantially to global greenhouse gases. Without addressing underlying land use practices and climate patterns, Indonesia risks recurring catastrophic fire seasons. Researchers emphasize the need for continued monitoring improvements and sustainable land management to break the cycle of destruction.