Ministry of Health Reports 333,470 ARI Cases Due to Forest Fires

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Health has reported a total of 333,470 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in areas impacted by forest and land fires (karhutla).

To mitigate the effects of haze, the Ministry has mobilized 1,691 community health centers (puskesmas) in the affected areas.

Then Suyanti, the Director of Environmental Health at the Ministry, stated that the reported cases include 75,172 among children under five years old and 258,298 among those aged five and older.

"Cumulatively, there are 333,470 cases of ARI, with 4,522 new cases reported daily," Suyanti said during a press conference addressing karhutla response measures at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) studio on Thursday (22/10/2026).

Suyanti explained that forest and land fires produce pollutants that can harm health, including fine particulate matter PM2.5, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other organic compounds.

Exposure to these pollutants can trigger ARIs, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as eye and skin irritation.

Vulnerable groups affected by pollution from karhutla include children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with asthma or COPD, and outdoor workers.

To anticipate health impacts, the Ministry is conducting public education, distributing masks, and monitoring air quality and health issues stemming from karhutla.

The Ministry is also overseeing the availability of medications, disposable medical supplies (BMHP), and medical equipment to assist affected individuals.

"We are monitoring health issues related to the forest fires, including ARIs, pneumonia, asthma, and eye and skin irritation," she stated.

1,691 puskesmas have been put on alert to respond in the affected regions.

Additionally, the government is preparing referral hospitals, public health laboratories, and the Public Safety Center (PSC) 119 services to support patient care.

"In all the affected areas, there are 1,691 puskesmas on standby," she clarified.

A total of 491 oxygen homes are also available in various regions to aid in addressing health issues caused by karhutla.

The Ministry is coordinating with local governments and relevant ministries to enhance preparedness.

It has issued circulars to local governments and healthcare facilities concerning the management of the impacts of karhutla.

Suyanti urged the public to regularly monitor air quality through the SatuSehat and ISPU Net services provided by the Ministry of Environment.

If air quality falls into the very unhealthy or hazardous categories, the public is advised to minimize outdoor activities.

If they must go outside, the public is encouraged to wear masks and stay hydrated.

They should also minimize smoke entry into their homes and be vigilant about health symptoms stemming from haze exposure.

"Therefore, if there is an increase in health problems, please visit the nearest healthcare facility for immediate treatment," Suyanti noted.