Indonesia’s Forest Fires: A Recurring Threat to Regional Stability and American Interests

Every year, Indonesia’s unchecked forest and peatland fires ignite a haze crisis that blankets neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, straining diplomatic ties and endangering public health. This perennial problem, far from a local issue, carries significant implications for global stability—a factor the United States cannot afford to overlook. Why Does Indonesia’s Haze Matter to America? The smoke plumes drifting across Southeast Asia symbolize more than environmental negligence; they expose systemic governance failures within a key region of strategic importance. As haze reduces visibility to dangerously low levels in parts of Indonesia’s Riau province and crosses borders into Malaysia, it...