ENVIRONMENT

The women volunteers of Borneo battling worst wildfires in 11 years

PUBLISHED Sep 23, 2026, 7:24 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 30

Center 100%

Sources: 30

Indonesia's Borneo region is experiencing its most intense wildfire season in eleven years, driven by severe drought and super El Niño weather conditions. Thick smoke and hazardous haze have blanketed communities across the region, leading to a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. Amid the escalating crisis, a grassroots network known as the "Power of Mama"—comprising female volunteers across West Kalimantan villages under Yayasan International Animal Rescue Indonesia (YIARI)—has mobilized to frontline defense. These volunteers patrol forested areas by motorcycle, monitor fire hotspots, operate aerial drones, and discourage local slash-and-burn agricultural practices. Operating with basic portable equipment, the groups intervene during dry spells near residential zones to protect homes and wildlife habitats. Authorities and environmental groups continue tracking dry conditions as firefighting and cloud-seeding efforts remain active across the affected provinces.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On January 1 2026 Fires began burning land across Indonesia according to official seasonal monitoring periods.
On September 16 2026 Global reporting highlights the escalation of super El Niño conditions and the 'Power of Mama' frontline response.
On September 24 2026 Women volunteer groups maintain daily patrols and firefighting monitoring across Borneo amidst record haze.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: No material direct US impact identified.
Possible long-term US impact: No material direct US impact identified.
Most affected groups: Residents of Borneo, local volunteer firefighters, and regional wildlife.
Reader priority: High for individuals tracking international climate disasters, environmental resilience, and grassroots community action.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 30
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 30

Explain Framing

Left: Focuses on climate change drivers, corporate accountability, and the impact on vulnerable local communities and wildlife. Center: Emphasizes factual reporting on meteorological data, government firefighting statistics, and chronological updates. Right: Highlights community resilience, local self-reliance, and practical responses to rural agricultural challenges.