Forest Fires and Health Threats for Residents

Cancer and Mental Health Risks Due to Karhutla

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), Slamet Budiarto, expressed that Karhutla smoke increases the risk of cancer.

He noted that based on air quality assessments in affected areas, such as Palembang, the air quality has reached unhealthy, even hazardous levels.

"This should be a concern for the government because over time, if the air quality remains poorer than normal, it will have adverse effects on the population," Slamet stated at the IDI Secretariat in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (24/10/2026).

"It can lead to illnesses, respiratory infections, lung infections, and even in the long term, it can cause cancer, which is a long-term issue that needs to be addressed promptly," he added.

Slamet mentioned that healthcare services in hospitals or health facilities have not been adversely affected despite the spike in ARI cases.

"Because we, the medical staff, use N95 masks," he said.

He noted that IDI often distributes masks to the community to prevent a surge in ARI cases.

"The solution is simple: masks. So if there are any respiratory issues, people need to see a doctor swiftly," he emphasized.

Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information at the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, stated that prolonged smoke from forest fires can lead to mental health disturbances.

"Prolonged haze can also cause mental health issues, stress, and anxiety due to disrupted social, economic, educational, and work activities," Aji said in a press release on Thursday (15/10/2026).

Ministry of Health Actions

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin mentioned that community health centers in areas affected by Karhutla have oxygen house facilities.

He stated that these facilities are meant to assist those experiencing health issues due to air pollution exposure.

"Many oxygen houses have been established, and we plan to provide one oxygen house per community health center in areas categorized as red and black on the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU). Therefore, there will be O2 tanks or oxygen concentrators. The first batch has already been distributed," Budi said during a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Thursday (22/10/2026).