Revisiting Traditional, Modern and Islamic Values When Addressing Haze Issues

Abstract

Almost every year, widespread forest fires from western Sumatra and southern Kalimantan in Indonesia have caused a series of transboundary hazes that have enshrouded parts of Southeast Asia. This disaster has jeopardised health, the economy, agriculture and biodiversity. It has also worsened climate conditions due to its large addition of global greenhouse gases (GHG) to the atmosphere. As a result, Indonesia has received great criticism from its neighbours. This disaster is mainly caused by the slash-and-burn methods used to clear land, claimed by many to be a local indigenous farming practice. However, instead of blaming the Indonesian authorities for their inefficient actions, other countries that benefit from Indonesias resources should take responsibility and assist in addressing the issue by finding the root of the problem. A thorough understanding of this matter is necessary and must be initiated by revisiting and exploring local community welfare, culture, and traditional wisdom in order to address and prevent transboundary haze issues. This paper discusses the causes and results of transboundary haze and highlights the importance of traditional wisdom and Islamic teachings for the preservation of the environment (hifz al-biah) and achieving sustainable development goals. It concludes with several policy recommendations for policymakers to consider as a means of preventing this issue from recurring in the future.