UK–Indonesia research collaboration studies air pollution from Borneo peatland fires

KaLi project uses air quality monitors to study community exposure in Indonesian Borneo

The University of Leeds has reported that researchers from the UK and Indonesia have collaborated on a multi-institutional project to measure and address the effects of peatland fires in Central Kalimantan, Borneo.

The KaLi project involved the placement of air quality sensors in public and private spaces to monitor airborne particle levels caused by recurring peat fires, which contribute to air pollution, environmental degradation and carbon emissions.

The research effort, led by the University of Exeter and including partners from multiple UK, Indonesian, and international institutions, aimed to build understanding of the social, economic and health effects of these fires, and to inform future disaster response and infrastructure planning.

Collaboration involved universities and local communities

The University of Leeds stated that establishing the KaLi project required collaboration between UK institutions and their Indonesian counterparts, including the University of Indonesia and the University of Palangka Raya.

Dr Ailish Graham, Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, said: “It wouldn’t have been possible to do the work without having international partner universities. This is a great example of universities working together.

“I found that I was really keen to keep working with the university as they had skills I didn’t have, which made the research so much better.

“They also have a lot of experience of research in the area, and many of the staff spoke the local language, which was a really big part of the project.”

Dr Graham added: “Colleagues from the Indonesian universities were able to help educate us about cultural differences – for example, how we might hold a meeting. For most meetings we would sit on a floor in a circle – it’s informal compared to what we might be used to, but it helped the community to relax and feel able to be open and contribute. They became part of our team, helping us collect data.”

She stated: “We were also going into people’s houses, and it was really important that we were respectful to their cultural norms.”

Researchers monitored schools and homes during fire season

Air quality sensors were placed in homes, schools, hotels, restaurants and offices to measure exposure to fine particulate pollution, which poses a health risk to those living in fire-affected areas.

The Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF), a conservation and research organisation, supported the research by identifying which communities to approach and helping researchers establish contact with village heads.

Dr Rory Padfield, Associate Professor in Sustainability and Business at the University of Leeds, said: “The BNF have been invaluable – they have been our go-to at times of facilitating access to groups. They’re interested in sustainability in this area, and they have an ear to the ground.”

Dr Padfield added: “Collaboration with other partners is so important – not just with other universities, but also with the communities affected. It’s so important we collect and document their experiences but also engage them in the research design.”

Researchers conducted focus groups with farmers, young people, women’s groups and local leaders, and met with policy stakeholders such as the Disaster Agency and Department for Education.

According to the University of Leeds, discussions with local authorities highlighted that schools in the region are often built without windows, allowing smoke to enter classrooms during fires.

Dr Graham said: “We hope that the monitors may help to reach ‘disaster status’ quicker, which would release funding. We also hope that monitors will emphasise the need to follow building regulations and that schools can be built with windows to provide protection when fires happen.”

Participants shared lessons learned through international collaboration

Research Assistant Hanun Nurrahmawati of the University of Indonesia played a key role in engaging with local communities and recruiting volunteers to support the data collection.

Nurrahmawati said: “Working with KaLi reminded me how good it feels to learn something new every day. It opened my eyes to how big the world really is—there’s always more to discover, both locally and globally. I genuinely improved my English and communication skills through this journey, and honestly, I’d love to see a KaLi 2.0 in the future.”

The University of Leeds reported that while most communities were welcoming, some challenges were encountered in the field. One of the air quality sensors was damaged after being pulled from a tree by an orangutan.

UK–Indonesia research collaboration studies air pollution from Borneo peatland fires: Summary

The University of Leeds has reported on a joint research project investigating peatland fire pollution in Central Kalimantan, Borneo.

The KaLi project placed air quality sensors in buildings across affected communities to measure particulate matter levels.

Partner institutions included the University of Exeter, University of Leicester, University of Indonesia and University of Palangka Raya.

The Borneo Nature Foundation supported the research team by connecting them with village leaders and local stakeholders.

Dr Ailish Graham and Dr Rory Padfield of the University of Leeds contributed to the project.

Meetings were held with the Disaster Agency, Department for Education and the local Mayor to discuss school infrastructure and emergency response.

Researchers engaged directly with farmers, women’s groups and young people through focus groups.

Research Assistant Hanun Nurrahmawati supported community engagement and volunteer recruitment.

Findings may help inform school design and emergency classification during future fire seasons.

Peatland fires in Borneo are linked to land clearing practices and occur during drought periods.

Further details are available on the KaLi Project and Borneo Nature Foundation websites.