75,712 Infants Affected by ISPA Due to Forest and Land Fires, IDAI Warns of Long-term Effects

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A member of the Coordinating Work Unit (UKK) for Respiratory Health of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Fifi Sofiah, emphasized the long-term effects of air pollution due to forest and land fires (Karhutla) that cause Acute Respiratory Infections (ISPA) in children and infants.

She mentioned that children's respiratory organs are particularly vulnerable to the smoke from Karhutla, with coarse particles (PM10) irritating the upper respiratory tract, while the ultrafine PM2.5 particles disrupt the lower respiratory tract.

"In the long run, this condition can lead to chronic lung diseases and decrease the quality of life for children as they reach adulthood," Fifi stated in a statement received by Kompas.com on Friday (23/10/2026).

She explained that children are more susceptible to air pollution not only because their immune systems are not fully developed but also due to their smaller airway diameters.

"They breathe more quickly and often breathe through their mouths. Moreover, children tend to spend more time outdoors, where the exposure to pollutants is heavier at their height—near strollers or close to the ground," she said.

The ventilation rate per kilogram of a child's body weight is also higher. Thus, Fifi noted that if the air is polluted, the exposure dose they receive is significantly greater than that of adults.

What Should Be Done?

The Secretary of the IDAI Disaster Response Task Force, Dimas Dwi Saputro, outlined several practical mitigation steps for families.

For instance, reducing outdoor activities, creating cleaner air spaces indoors (by closing windows and doors, using exhaust fans, wet curtains, and aquariums).

"Use masks if it is necessary to go outside, increase water intake, adopt a clean and healthy lifestyle, and wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them," he advised.

Families are also encouraged to prepare disaster readiness bags, understand evacuation routes, gathering points, and family preparedness plans.

IDAI also urges parents to take their children to the nearest health facilities if signs of a medical emergency occur: severe shortness of breath, chest wall retraction, cyanosis, decreased consciousness, or if the child cannot drink.