Indonesian consulate in Kuching acknowledges the concerns raised by Sarawakians over poor air quality

KUCHING, Aug 16 2026; The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) here says it acknowledges the concerns raised by the people of Sarawak regarding poor air quality over the past weeks.

Caption: Wild fires in Kalimantan

“As close neighbours bound by enduring friendship, shared borders, and strong bilateral ties, Indonesia places the utmost importance on the health, well-being, and tranquility of communities across both Sarawak and Indonesia,” it said in a statement.

It added that in the spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility, the Indonesian government continues to execute comprehensive, relentless, and proactive measures to prevent and extinguish forest and land fires across affected regions.

The consulate general said these intensive on-the-ground and aerial efforts encompass heightened early-warning patrols, rapid ground firefighting deployments, continuous water-bombing sorties, targeted weather-modification operations (cloud seeding), and strict law enforcement against unlawful burning.

“The integrated actions are undertaken around the clock to safeguard communities, protect ecosystems, and mitigate potential fire impacts,” it said.

It stressed that the Indonesian government remains firmly committed to maintaining close communication, information sharing, and regional cooperation with all key stakeholders, including under the framework of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

“This collaborative partnership reinforces joint preventive strategies, enhances regional coordination, and minimizes potential transboundary environmental and socio-economic effects,” the consulate general said.

It explained that it will continue to closely monitor situational developments and actively coordinate with relevant Sarawak authorities and stakeholders.

“United by mutual goodwill and shared resolve, KJRI Kuching expresses its sincere hope that these concerted endeavors will swiftly yield positive results, ensuring that air quality and everyday activities in Sarawak and surrounding regions return fully to normal,” it said.