Indonesia fights fire with dry ice as toxic haze spreads across region
Dry ice trial in Palembang
On Thursday, a Cessna is expected to release 1.5 tons of dry ice over Palembang, the South Sumatran provincial city. The government hopes the measure will ease smoke and improve air quality and visibility.
Minister Dudung Abdurachman said the test was ordered directly by the president to help address haze in South Sumatra, according to state news agency Antara. Indonesia has previously tried cloud seeding and water bombing.
Fires spread hazardous haze
Almost 900,000 hectares have burned across Indonesia since January, in the country’s worst fire season in more than a decade. The fires have been worsened by this year’s strong El Niño and continued use of slash-and-burn land clearing for crops including palm oil.
Millions of Indonesians have endured thick smoke, and tens of thousands have sought care for respiratory illness linked to the haze. A class action lawsuit filed last week accuses the government of gross negligence over its response.
Smoke has reached Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Timor-Leste said it would close schools nationwide for three days from Thursday and advised families to keep children indoors or use respiratory protection outside.
Relief may not last
Experts say dispersing solid carbon dioxide could bring limited relief in the immediate area, rather than a lasting reduction in haze. One expert noted that weather systems move from east to west, carrying more smoke into places where it has been cleared.
Local news footage showed thick haze over Palangka Raya, with visibility for drivers reduced to a minimum. Singapore was listed among the world’s most polluted cities in the past week, while Kuala Lumpur ranked second.
Government orders tougher action
President Prabowo Subianto has ordered stronger firefighting efforts and called for a crackdown on people suspected of starting fires. McRae said the growing regional effects could become a global problem, pointing to connections between countries.
Key points
- Almost 900,000 hectares have burned in Indonesia since January.
- A Cessna is expected to disperse 1.5 tons of dry ice over Palembang.
- Haze has affected millions in Indonesia and spread to neighbouring countries.
- Experts warn dry-ice dispersal may offer only limited, local relief.