Indonesia’s wildfire smoke pollution is estimated to have caused 3,560 deaths in September 2026, according to a new scientific study. The reporting cites an estimate of 57.8 million people across the country inhaling air described as unhealthy to hazardous during the same month.
Several outlets identify the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Helsinki-based think tank, as the source of the study figures. Coverage also mentions that the death estimate relates to short-term exposure to PM2.5, with most deaths occurring on parts of Borneo as well as Java and Sumatra and in Indonesia’s east.
Some outlets add an additional figure for non-fire pollution. One report says urban and industrial emissions contribute a further 1,750 deaths in September, bringing the air-pollution-related total to 5,310. Others focus primarily on the wildfire-smoke death toll and the number of people affected by hazardous air.
