Indonesia sued over wildfire handling as haze spreads across region
Civil society groups in Indonesian Borneo have filed a class action lawsuit accusing the government of negligence over wildfires that have blanketed Southeast Asia in haze.
What happened
Civil society and indigenous groups in West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, filed a class action lawsuit against the Indonesian government over its handling of wildfires.123
President Prabowo Subianto and the governor of West Kalimantan are among 10 defendants named in the case.13
The lawsuit alleges negligence, with the Guardian reporting the accusation was of 'gross negligence'.123
The wildfires have produced toxic haze across large parts of Southeast Asia, shuttering schools and causing a spike in respiratory illnesses, according to the Guardian.1
Key points
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a response from President Prabowo Subianto, the West Kalimantan governor, or other named defendants.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific relief or damages sought beyond the Guardian's mention of 'comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation'.
- None of the outlets reviewed provided figures on the scale of the fires, the extent of the haze, or the number of respiratory illness cases.
Why it matters
Seasonal wildfires in Indonesia, particularly in Borneo, have historically produced transboundary haze affecting neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.1
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 1The GuardianGBPrivate
Indonesia accused of ‘gross negligence’ in wildfires lawsuit as haze tests region
Southeast Asia
- 3CNASGState-controlled
Indonesian court hears 'negligence' complaint against state over fires, haze
Oceania
- 2ABC News (Australia)AUPublic broadcaster
Indonesian government faces wildfires lawsuit as haze blankets region