'Keep up the spirit': Indonesian teenage 'Superman' joins wildfire fight

In the midst of devastating wildfires engulfing Borneo, a young Indonesian teenager has emerged as an unlikely hero, donning a Superman costume to join the fight. Rudiyansah, 17, walks through charred landscapes in Central Kalimantan, using his free time after school to assist his father's volunteer firefighting group.

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

His bright red and blue costume stands in stark contrast to the scorched earth surrounding Palangkaraya. Rudiyansah's decision to wear the superhero attire, which he says is "just for fun," has captured global attention. Videos of him wielding a hose have gone viral, earning him the affectionate title of "forest hero" from the country's forestry minister.

"Honestly, I'm really happy because I can help locals, even though it feels really tiring," Rudiyansah told AFP, cape still on, while working. He explained he slightly wets his costume to prevent it from burning and washes it nightly. His father, Mulyadi, described him as a "normal kid" at home but eager to join the fire efforts when 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.'

This year's fire season has been particularly severe, with the haze being the worst the volunteer group has seen since its establishment in 2020. Firefighters face significant challenges, primarily a lack of water due to drought conditions exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon. Between January and July, fires consumed over 200,000 hectares, an area three times the size of Jakarta. Rudiyansah, who aspires to be a forest ranger, urged fellow firefighters to "keep up the spirit in the fight against the flames."

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To volunteers and firefighters across Indonesia, keep up the spirit in the fight against the flames.