Indonesian President Prabowo reacts to international criticism over wildfires that burn large areas and spread toxic haze into neighbouring countries. In his remarks, he tells countries he says are “insulting” Indonesia not to do so, while pointing to the regional impact of the smoke and pollution.
The outlets agree that haze affects not only Indonesia but also countries across the region, including Malaysia and Singapore. Channel NewsAsia adds that ASEAN responds by calling for a meeting on the crisis after air pollution levels rise in the affected countries, while the South China Morning Post reports an estimate based on satellite analysis, saying fires have consumed more than 1.9 million hectares over the first nine months to September.
Free Malaysia Today highlights that Prabowo also shifts part of the blame toward unnamed corporations behind the fires, while the other reports focus more on the diplomatic tone toward critics and the regional air-quality consequences.
