Indonesian President Sued Over Toxic Haze Blanketing Malaysia & Singapore

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Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has been sued over toxic smog blanketing Southeast Asia

Four plaintiffs, including the local chapter of the Indigenous non-governmental organisation (NGO) AMAN, filed the suit in a court in Pontianak, Indonesia.

The class-action lawsuit accuses the government of "gross negligence" over the rampant wildfires.

The region's annual fires have triggered severe health and economic crises. The choking haze across Borneo, Sumatra, and Papua has forced schools to close, caused widespread respiratory issues, and sent smog drifting into Malaysia and Singapore.

During the first hearing on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, none of the 10 defendants showed up to face the accusations

The plaintiffs' lawyer, Glorio Sanen, noted the bitter irony of the officials missing their scheduled court date.

The lawyer suggested the severe smog might be the very reason the defendants were absent.

"We feel sad and regretful about their absence… But on the other hand, we also understand that perhaps this haze condition caused them to be unable to land in Pontianak," Glorio told reporters, as quoted by AFP.

The lawyer added that the lawsuit was "a step to address the problem" of recurring fires.

These annual disasters are largely blamed on forest destruction and have been worsened by intense El Nino droughts.

The group demanded sweeping government action to protect vulnerable citizens

The plaintiffs urged authorities to pronounce a state of national emergency, which would unlock crucial funds to cover medical expenses and rehabilitation for those impacted.

Whether this bold case succeeds remains to be seen, especially considering a comparable legal challenge in South Sumatra failed in 2025.