Indonesian Indigenous Groups Sue Government Over Wildfire Response

Indigenous groups sue Indonesia over wildfire negligence, seeking disaster declaration and health support amid haze crisis.

Editorial Desk

October 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Jakarta, Indonesia — Indigenous communities in Indonesia have filed a class-action lawsuit against the government, accusing officials of gross negligence in managing recurring wildfires that have caused widespread environmental and public health damage.

The legal action, launched on October 7 at a court in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, names President Prabowo Subianto and eight other officials as defendants. The plaintiffs, including an Indigenous group and a Catholic youth organization, claim authorities failed to prepare for the annual fire crisis, which has led to toxic haze spreading across Southeast Asia.

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The case seeks a national disaster declaration and comprehensive rehabilitation efforts, including healthcare for those affected by the smoke. None of the named officials attended the initial hearing, leading to a postponement until October 21. Legal representatives expressed disappointment but acknowledged the difficulty of attending due to ongoing air quality issues.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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