Forest Fires and Health Threats for Residents

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Forest and Land Fires (Karhutla) continue to occur in various locations, impacting public health.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that Karhutla is still being addressed in three provinces in Kalimantan, covering an area of 18,973 hectares.

"Central Kalimantan has been recorded as the province with the highest burned area. Currently, 16,097 hectares are under management in Central Kalimantan, which is the highest. South Kalimantan has 1,506 hectares, and West Kalimantan has 1,370 hectares, bringing the total for these three provinces to 18,973 hectares," said Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disaster Management at BNPB, Berton SP Panjaitan, on Friday (23/10/2026).

Berton stated that BNPB is conducting weather modification operations in Central Kalimantan to prevent further spread of the burned areas.

He revealed that seven sorties have been carried out, seeding 5,000 kilograms of dry ice and 1,000 kilograms of NaCl.

Meanwhile, BNPB has deployed 38,772 personnel for disaster response.

Increase in ARI Cases Due to Karhutla

Data from the Ministry of Health shows that cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) due to Karhutla in several regions have reached 333,470 cases from August 18 to October 21, 2026.

"According to the Ministry of Health data as of October 21, 2026, the cumulative number of ARI cases in areas affected by Karhutla has exceeded 333,470 cases," said the Director of Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health, Then Suyanti, as quoted from a BNPB release on Thursday (22/10/2026).

Out of this total, 258,298 cases were experienced by individuals over the age of five.

The remaining 75,172 cases occurred among children aged zero to five (toddlers).

"The distribution of ARI cases has been recorded in 68 districts/cities across seven provinces. The drastic spike in ARI patients corresponds with the density of the smoke that pollutes the air," she explained.

Suyanti also mentioned that smoke can trigger various health issues, ranging from eye irritation and respiratory problems to worsening conditions for individuals with lung diseases.

For that reason, she reminded vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, that they need special attention as they are at higher risk of health disturbances due to smoke exposure.

In addressing health impacts in affected areas, the Ministry of Health has made 1,691 community health centers on standby and prepared 360 referral hospitals.

Additionally, 87 public health laboratories have been set up to support the handling of Karhutla impacts.

"Local governments have also prepared 491 oxygen houses that are now available in their respective areas," she stated.