Black Category Air Quality in Several Areas Due to Forest Fires, Health Ministry Urges Protection for Vulnerable Groups

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Air quality in several regions has reached a "black" or hazardous level due to smoke from forest and land fires (Karhutla).

Then Suyanti, the Director of Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health, is urging regions still classified as hazardous to protect vulnerable populations.

“We must protect vulnerable groups as they are more susceptible to illness and reduce smoke entering homes, including recognizing health disturbances,” Suyanti stated in a release from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Thursday (22/10/2026) evening.

Monitoring by Kompas.com through the Air Pollution Standard Index (IPSU) from the Ministry of Environment indicates that as of Friday (23/10/2026), there are 11 regions with hazardous air pollution levels.

These regions include Murung Raya Regency, Palangkaraya City, Barito Selatan Regency, Gunung Mas Regency, Palembang City, Pali Regency, and Kotawaringin Timur.

Additionally, Kutaibarat Regency, Prabumulih, Muaro Jambi City, and Jambi Regency are also affected.

Suyanti also mentioned that the Ministry of Health has prepared 360 referral hospitals needed for residents impacted by air pollution.

This includes 87 health laboratories and oxygen supply facilities.

“Local governments have also prepared 491 oxygen supply houses that are available in each area,” the Director of the Ministry of Health noted.

The Ministry of Health is also monitoring human resources in the health sector to ensure readiness in addressing the impacts of Karhutla.

Currently, there are 18,547 general practitioners and various specialists, including ophthalmologists, pulmonologists, ENT specialists, and DVE.

333,470 Cases of ARI, 765,172 of Which are in Children

In the same announcement, Then Suyanti provided an update on the cumulative cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) due to smoke pollution from Karhutla.

“As of October 21, 2026, the Ministry of Health reports that the cumulative cases of ARI in areas affected by Karhutla have surpassed 333,470 cases,” Suyanti said.

Of this total, 258,298 cases are among individuals older than five years.

The remaining 75,172 cases are in children aged zero to five years (toddlers).

“The spread of ARI cases is noted in 68 regencies/cities across seven provinces. The sharp increase in ARI cases corresponds with the intensity of the haze polluting the air,” she stated.