Prabowo's Grand Welcome for Egyptian President Sparks Anger Amid Haze

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has drawn criticism online over his grand welcome for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, with social media users questioning his priorities as forest fires and choking haze continue to affect communities.

Several felt a simpler ceremony would have been more appropriate, calling for resources and attention to be directed towards disaster relief.

A threads post from user retsianare: "It's simple: redirect the budget and hold a smaller but still respectful ceremony. Explain to the Egyptian president's delegation at a press conference that our country cannot hold a grand welcome because we are facing several disasters. They would surely understand, perhaps even sympathise. Indonesians would also respect a government that knows its priorities."

El-Sisi was welcomed at Jakarta's presidential palace on October 11 with mounted troops, motorcycle escorts, traditional performances and schoolchildren waving flags.

Prabowo greeted him with a handshake and embrace before talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Indonesia is facing its most intense wildfire season in 11 years, mainly affecting Sumatra and Kalimantan. Reuters reported on October 11 that haze from the fires had caused 175,000 cases of respiratory illness.

In Barito Selatan, Central Kalimantan, PM2.5 concentrations reached 659 micrograms per cubic metre on October 9, while PM10 reached 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre.

The smoke has spread across borders. In Singapore, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index stood at 118-155 at 7pm on October 12, placing all regions in the unhealthy range.

In Malaysia, 22 monitoring stations recorded unhealthy air quality that day, with Kota Tinggi registering the highest Air Pollutant Index reading of 170.

Worsening conditions prompted school closures on October 13 across several states and districts.

Indonesia says it has deployed more than 60,000 personnel and around 48 helicopters and aircraft to combat the fires, although dry weather remains a challenge.

Frustration over the prolonged crisis has also sparked protests in Jambi and a lawsuit naming Prabowo and other officials over alleged failures to prevent and control recurring fires.