Indonesian teen dons Superman costume to help fight wildfires

In the scorched landscape of Borneo, a 17-year-old Indonesian boy named Rudiyansah is making a striking appearance, helping to combat the wildfires that have devastated parts of the island. Dressed in his signature red and blue Superman costume, he stands out against the charred terrain surrounding Palangkaraya, where he assists a local volunteer firefighting group established by his father.

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Honestly, I’m really happy because I can help locals, even though it feels really tiring.

Rudiyansah has been dedicating his free time after school to fighting fires since 2023. However, in 2026, he adopted his superhero persona, creating a powerful visual that has drawn significant attention to the ongoing struggle against the blazes. Videos of him wielding a hose have gone viral, earning him praise and the title of 'forest hero' from Indonesia's forestry minister.

Despite the demanding and tiring nature of the work, Rudiyansah expressed happiness in being able to help. He shared that he slightly wets his costume before entering the fields to prevent it from burning and washes it nightly. His father, Mulyadi, noted that while Rudiyansah is a 'normal kid' at home, he is eager to join firefighting efforts whenever his father heads out.

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In the house, he’s like a normal kid. But when he saw me going out, he asked, ‘Are you going to put out fires? I’ll go with you.’

The fight against the fires is hampered by a severe lack of water, as wells and other sources have dried up during the drought. This year's fire season, from January to July, has already burned over 200,000 hectares, an area three times the size of the capital, Jakarta. This figure surpasses previous El Nino seasons, highlighting the severity of the current situation. The government has increased troop and aircraft deployments to combat the spread of fires and the resulting smog, which has affected neighboring Malaysia.

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To volunteers and firefighte