Indonesia Wildfires Threaten World’s Oldest Cave Paintings Dating Back 67,000 Years

Wildfires raging across Indonesia are threatening some of the world’s oldest known cave paintings on the island of Sulawesi, raising concerns among researchers about the future of an extraordinary record of early human creativity.

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The more than 67,000-year-old artworks in the Maros-Pangkep region face potential deterioration from extreme heat and smoke as fires spread across surrounding landscapes. Researchers have warned that these conditions could accelerate damage to the ancient paintings.

The affected area is known for its dramatic limestone formations and caves, which form part of a national park and a UNESCO Global Geopark. The landscape is internationally recognised for its natural features and archaeological significance.

Firefighters have been working near the Maros-Pangkep caves to control the fires, while smoke has drifted across the surrounding karst terrain. The situation has raised concerns about protecting the fragile artworks from environmental damage.

Indonesia is experiencing its most intense forest and land fires since 2015, according to the report. Severe El Niño conditions have contributed to higher temperatures and reduced rainfall, leaving forests and peatlands increasingly vulnerable to fires.

The threat extends beyond the immediate impact of flames. Heat, smoke and changing environmental conditions can place additional stress on delicate cave surfaces and ancient pigments, potentially speeding up deterioration.

The Sulawesi paintings are significant because they offer evidence of early artistic expression and human cultural history. Their preservation is therefore important not only for Indonesia but also for researchers studying the development of art and human societies.

As firefighters continue their efforts, researchers face growing concerns about the long-term effects of the fires. The episode highlights how extreme weather and wildfires can threaten irreplaceable archaeological heritage, making conservation and environmental protection increasingly urgent.