The world’s oldest cave paintings in Indonesia under threat of wildfires

The world’s oldest cave paintings, located on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, are currently under threat from severe wildfires. Indonesia is experiencing its most intense forest and land fires since 2015, driven by a strong El Niño weather pattern that has resulted in increased temperatures and diminished rainfall across the region's forests and peatlands.

Researchers warn that the heat and smoke generated by these fires risk accelerating the physical deterioration of the prehistoric artworks, which are estimated to be over 67,000 years old. The environmental conditions have left the sites particularly vulnerable as the country struggles to contain the widespread blazes.