Indonesia haze: why Jakarta won’t declare wildfires a national disaster

AI Summary

Indonesia is facing widespread forest and land fires, with residents reporting worsening health effects, while the government has resisted declaring a national disaster. Critics say the decision may reflect concerns about shifting government funds and increased scrutiny, while disaster experts call for a broader coordinated response.

Indonesia’s government has resisted mounting calls to declare widespread forest and land fires a national disaster, insisting it can handle the crisis alone as residents report worsening health impacts and disaster experts warn that a broader, coordinated response is needed. Critics suggest the reluctance may stem from concerns that a national declaration could force Jakarta to redirect funds from other political priorities, while exposing the administration to greater scrutiny over its disaster...