A deep dive into Indonesia’s worsening wildfire crisis reveals how peatlands—thick layers of decaying organic matter—are fueling some of the country’s most destructive blazes. The BBC’s reporter explores why this year’s fires, among the worst in a decade, pose severe threats to ecosystems, public health, and regional stability. With thick smoke choking communities and global concerns rising, the piece breaks down the science behind peat fires and their role in the escalating environmental emergency. Understanding the link between land use, climate, and these underground fires could be key to addressing the ongoing disaster.
The BBC's Liza Tambunan is in central Kalimantan, to explain what peat is and why Indonesia is facing its worst wildfire season in a decade.
