What were the main causes of the 2013 forest fires in Indonesia?

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Causes of the 2013 Indonesian Forest Fires

The primary drivers of the 2013 forest fires in Indonesia were the land-clearing practices employed by farmers and agribusinesses. These entities engaged in the clearing of land for the cultivation of crops, notably padi and oil palm, which subsequently led to uncontrolled forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Agricultural Land Clearing Practices

Farmers and agribusinesses were identified as the main culprits behind the 2013 forest fires, as they cleared land for agricultural purposes. This practice involved preparing areas for the cultivation of crops such as padi and oil palm. The methods used for land clearing, however, resulted in uncontrolled fires that spread through the forests of Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Economic Impact on Malaysia from Fires

The economic consequences of these fires in 2013 were substantial for Malaysia, amounting to RM1.57 billion. This figure encompasses healthcare costs and lost income opportunities. Specifically, losses attributed to smoke-related illnesses, medical leave, and the purchase of air pollution masks totalled RM958 million.
Healthcare and Production Losses

Beyond direct income losses, the fires also exacted a significant toll on Malaysia's healthcare system and overall productivity. Healthcare-related losses, including medical treatment, hospitalisation, and production losses due to employees taking medical leave, were estimated at RM410.6 million. Furthermore, the government incurred nearly RM20 million in expenses solely for the purchase of masks to protect the public.
Involvement of Malaysian Companies

Concerns have been raised regarding the involvement of Malaysian entities in these land-clearing activities. It has been stated that some Malaysian government-linked companies possess subsidiaries operating oil palm plantations in Indonesia. These subsidiaries have reportedly been implicated in starting fires as part of their land management practices.

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What were the main causes of the 2013 forest fires in Indonesia?

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