Acid Rain Post-Wildfire: When Disasters Linger After Smoke Clears

Indonesia faces a new threat even after the annual forest fires (Karhutla) have subsided: "acid rain" that occurs after the smoke clears. This phenomenon clearly indicates that even when the fires themselves are extinguished, their effects do not disappear immediately. Acid rain can pollute soil and water sources, causing long-term damage to crops and ecosystems. Corrosive effects on infrastructure are also a concern. Peat fires frequently occur in Indonesia's vast forest areas, especially on Sumatra and Kalimantan, bringing widespread smoke pollution. In recent years, the government has focused on fire prevention measures, but complete prevention remains a difficult challenge due to a combination of natural conditions and human factors. Even when the smoke clears and daily life seems to return to normal, the disaster's impact continues underground in the form of acid rain. This underscores the importance of not only emergency response during fires but also long-term environmental restoration and support for local communities. This issue is not just an environmental problem; it also affects the health, agriculture, and economic activities of local residents, necessitating comprehensive measures.