Large areas of forest and peatland continue to burn in Indonesia, particularly on Borneo (Kalimantan—especially West Kalimantan around Pontianak) and Sumatra (including Riau and Way Kambas National Park in Lampung). The fires are caused by drought resulting from a strong El Niño event as well as slash-and-burn practices; the smoke is affecting millions of people and neighboring countries, with tens of thousands suffering from respiratory ailments. Additionally, smaller fires have been reported in locations such as Merapi National Park (Java), Mount Klabat (North Sulawesi), and northern Lombok.
Separately, a severe earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck the region off the coast of Flores in the east of the country in mid-August, resulting in dozens of fatalities; this was followed on September 11–12 by a magnitude 6.6 earthquake north of Jakarta. Firefighting efforts on the islands most affected by the fires are ongoing, while the rainy season is not expected to begin until late October or early November.
May all those who suffer rise again, and may earthly happiness find a home with them.
