Why does Southeast Asia keeps breathing the same haze—and can ASEAN do more to stop it?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-09T02:06:35.768Z • Permanent link

Southeast Asia's persistent haze problem has become a recurring cycle of destruction and despair. The issue has been exacerbated by decades of inadequate efforts from regional governments and institutions. One of the primary culprits behind the haze is Indonesia's rampant deforestation, particularly in the Riau province of Sumatra. Data from the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reveals that in 2022, over 1.2 million hectares of land were burned, resulting in the release of massive amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere. The fires were largely attributed to agricultural activities, such as palm oil plantations, and logging operations.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has faced intense scrutiny over his administration's handling of the crisis. Critics argue that the government's inaction and lack of effective enforcement have emboldened perpetrators of forest fires. The situation has also drawn comparisons to the devastating 2019 haze crisis, which saw widespread air pollution and health issues reported across the region. In 2019, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expressed outrage over Indonesia's failure to contain the fires, and both countries ultimately implemented joint measures to combat the haze.

However, despite these efforts, the haze persists. In 2022, a study published by the University of Nottingham found that haze levels in Singapore and Malaysia reached hazardous levels, affecting millions of people. The study also highlighted the need for more effective regional coordination and cooperation to address the issue. The study's lead author, Dr. James Henderson, emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of deforestation and forest fires in Indonesia.

The haze crisis has significant implications for the AI & Tech Ecosystems domain. Companies that operate in the region, such as ride-hailing services and e-commerce platforms, have reported disruptions to their operations due to the poor air quality. For instance, in 2019, Grab, a popular ride-hailing service, reported that haze levels in Indonesia and Malaysia had led to a significant decrease in user engagement. The crisis also has a profound impact on research communities, which rely on data and analytics to inform their work. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C found that haze levels can have a negative impact on crop yields and agricultural productivity, which in turn affects the livelihoods of millions of people in the region.

Furthermore, the haze crisis has significant economic implications for the region. In 2020, the haze crisis led to a decline in tourism revenue, with many visitors opting to avoid the affected areas. This has had a ripple effect on local businesses and economies, which rely heavily on tourism. The crisis also has a profound impact on the region's energy sector, as the haze can exacerbate respiratory problems and other health issues. Companies such as Intel, which has a significant presence in the region, have reported that haze levels can impact their manufacturing operations and employee health.

The haze crisis is part of a larger pattern of environmental degradation and unsustainable practices in Southeast Asia. The region has struggled with issues such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change for decades. In the 1990s, the region experienced a series of devastating forest fires, which highlighted the need for effective regional coordination and cooperation. However, despite these efforts, the haze crisis persists. Competing approaches to addressing the issue, such as the use of technology and data analytics, have been implemented, but their effectiveness has been limited.