Protests spread in Indonesia as anger mounts over forest fires and haze

Protests have erupted across parts of Indonesia as frustration grows over the government's handling of widespread forest and land fires, with demonstrators demanding stronger firefighting efforts, tougher action against companies responsible for the blazes and greater protection for affected communities.



The growing public anger comes as Indonesia battles one of its worst forest fire seasons in years, with an El Nino-driven drought leaving vast areas of forest and peatland highly flammable.



The number of respiratory illness cases linked to the fires has surged to 283,270 across seven Indonesian provinces as at Oct 13, more than double the 113,336 recorded as at Sept 9, according to Reuters, citing Health Ministry data.



The haze has also spread across South-east Asia.



On Oct 15, protesters took to the streets in two towns in Central Kalimantan, on the Indonesian part of Borneo, demanding stronger government action to tackle the fires.