Following severe 2026 forest and peatland fires, Indonesia’s government is considering establishing a National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency, after dissolving its predecessor, BRGM, in December 2024. Environmental advocates and experts say the new body should be permanent, able to inspect company concessions and government projects, recommend permit revocations, enforce corporate accountability, and prioritize prevention and ecological restoration over infrastructure targets. Experts also propose revising regulations that are poorly implemented. Stakeholders warn that without meaningful authority over damaged peatlands—including those inside licensed concessions—the agency could repeat BRGM’s perceived shortcomings. Монгол

Drivers in Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung face long queues for diesel, sometimes waiting overnight, while fuel shortages are reported less visibly in Java. Experts say the recurring scarcity reflects connected pressures on supply, distribution, subsidy governance and regional allocation, rather than a single temporary supply failure. Traction Energy Asia warns that the B50 biodiesel mandate may raise subsidy costs by Rp80–100 trillion annually as biodiesel competes with food and exports for palm oil; it urges the government to publish distribution, blending and stock data. A deputy energy minister has said terminal stocks are safe and cited distribution bottlenecks, while a parliamentary commission also points to delayed transport and suspected resale of subsidized fuel. Trend Asia argues Java is favored in fuel allocation, criticizes B50 as a false solution with potential environmental and food-price consequences, and calls for public transport and logistics to shift toward electrification.

Jakarta remained among the world’s most polluted cities in August 2026, with PM2.5 readings far above World Health Organization guidelines. Residents report breathing problems and related health costs, while national respiratory infection cases rose year over year. Environmental advocates say the chronic pollution reflects dependence on fossil fuels, weak controls, and limited progress in implementing a court-ordered response. El Niño conditions can worsen pollutant concentrations, but studies identify major ongoing sources including traffic, power plants, and industry. Research also finds pollution crosses municipal boundaries: surrounding areas contribute substantially to Jakarta’s PM2.5, pointing to the need for coordinated regional action. The Ministry of Environment had not responded to the publication’s questions by the time the report appeared.

Residents of Purwosari and nearby villages in the Menoreh Mountains are strengthening efforts to stop illegal bird hunting after declining bird populations raised alarm. Local groups enforce village regulations, conduct patrols, and coordinate across village borders to deter hunters. Conservation programs such as nest adoption and birdwatching tourism provide alternative income and increase community awareness of ecological benefits. The initiatives receive support from Yayasan Kanopi Indonesia, which highlights the region’s biodiversity and the need for protection across administrative boundaries.

Civil society groups propose converting the long‑abandoned PLTU Koto Ringin coal plant in Riau into solar and mini‑hydro facilities. Technical assessments show that solar or hybrid systems could match the original plant’s output while reducing environmental impact and overall investment costs. Local officials support aligning energy development with sustainable and socially inclusive transition goals. The article details years of project failures involving contractors, legal disputes, financing obstacles and governance flaws that left the coal plant unusable. Analysts highlight systemic issues in Indonesia’s coal plant planning, including misaligned industrial priorities, poor oversight and potential corruption, and recommend terminating the coal project permanently in favor of clean energy alternatives.

Illegal gold mining inside Kerinci Seblat National Park has caused extensive forest destruction, fueled by organized supply chains for heavy equipment and subsidized fuel. Local indigenous territories have been severely damaged, while enforcement remains weak and often compromised. The mining operations contribute to recurring floods across Jambi, with thousands of homes affected. Environmental groups warn that the ongoing expansion of illegal mining networks threatens ecosystems, water sources, and long-term community safety, urging stronger legal action and national-level intervention.

A major fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Banten prompted emergency response efforts and warnings from national and local authorities amid extreme weather conditions. Officials cited difficult terrain, strong winds, and limited water as obstacles to extinguishing the blaze. Walhi criticized long‑standing upstream waste management failures, stressing that accumulated waste and methane buildup heighten fire risks and urging stronger regulations and accountability for producers. Authorities emphasized improved mitigation, preparedness, and adherence to national guidelines to prevent similar incidents.

South Kalimantan faces rising earthquake activity linked to the active Meratus Fault, which could produce a magnitude‑7 event. Experts outline the geological formation and ongoing activity of the fault, stressing the need for detailed microzonation studies, improved public education, and stronger mitigation infrastructure. Building vulnerability remains high due to weak structural standards, particularly in soft‑soil areas. Authorities have early‑warning systems in place but lack a dedicated contingency plan, and low public awareness remains a challenge. Enhanced collaboration, structural audits of public facilities, and adherence to earthquake‑resistant construction standards are highlighted as essential steps to reduce future risks.

Residents of Roban Timur in Batang continue the Sedekah Laut tradition to express gratitude for marine resources despite worsening coastal damage linked to industrial expansion and the operation of the Batang power plant. Community members describe declining fish stocks and shrinking fishing grounds, while WALHI warns that coastal zoning policies and energy projects are eroding ecological functions and endangering livelihoods. Studies document rapid erosion along the coastline, and the local government acknowledges increasing abrasion driven by industrial development. Scholars note the long history of the tradition and its role in reinforcing community stewardship of the sea.

Fitriani Dwi Kurniasari leads a sustained campaign demanding resolution of the poisoning death of the trained elephant Rahman in Tesso Nilo National Park, criticizing stalled law‑enforcement efforts and limited progress despite multiple police engagements. She organizes silent protests, social‑media outreach, public events and collaborations with conservationists and actor Chicco Jerikho to pressure authorities. Police cite investigative obstacles while promising renewed efforts, and the movement also raises broader concerns about shrinking habitat, poaching and inadequate protection for Sumatran elephants.