In 2015, Indonesia's devastating El Niño fires burned 2.6 million hectares and sent toxic haze across Southeast Asia. 11 years later, restoration efforts had helped cut burned peatland area by 70% in 2023 compared with 2019, showing the value of rewetting

Indonesia is facing renewed wildfire concerns as a strong El Niño brings the prospect of reduced rainfall in 2026. The country’s devastating 2015 fires burned about 2.6 million hectares and sent pollution across Southeast Asia, highlighting the vulnerability of degraded peatlands. Restoration efforts established after that disaster have focused on rewetting peat through deep wells and canal blocking.