Ministry of Health to Equip Community Health Centers in Areas Affected by Forest Fires with Oxygen Houses

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) aims to equip community health centers (puskesmas) in areas affected by forest and land fires (karhutla) and high air pollution with oxygen houses.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that these facilities are intended to assist members of the community suffering from health issues due to air pollution exposure.

"We have established many oxygen houses, and our plan is to provide one oxygen house per puskesmas in severely affected areas. This includes oxygen tanks or oxygen concentrators. In our first batch, we have already provided them," Budi explained during a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Thursday (22/10/2026).

Budi noted that several districts and cities have already taken the initiative to build oxygen houses to support residents affected by air pollution.

However, Kemenkes wants to ensure that similar facilities are available across all puskesmas located in areas categorized under the air quality index (ISPU) as red and black.

In addition to preparing oxygen facilities, Kemenkes is also sending masks and medications to address health issues from air pollution exposure.

Budi indicated that there is still a shortfall of about 1.6 million masks in affected areas.

The government aims to meet this shortfall within this week or early next week.

"If individuals are still exposed even after wearing masks, they need medical treatment. The primary care involves oxygenation. We must provide oxygen tanks with hoses or oxygen concentrators," Budi stated.

"This will also be dispatched to affected areas within the next week or so. They already have some, but our target is for all puskesmas in black and red zones to have this facility," he added.

Budi emphasized that residents in areas with high air pollution should minimize outdoor activities.

If it is necessary to go outside, it is advised to wear masks to reduce pollution exposure.

"The best option is to stay at home. Do not go out if the conditions are poor. If you must go out, wear a mask," he urged.