Health Response Expanded as Forest Fires Raise Respiratory Risks

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Health has deployed medical personnel to address health risks arising from forest and land fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The fires have caused a decline in air quality, triggering a rise in acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases.

“The ministry has assigned approximately 1,898 health workers. We are also distributing hundreds of thousands of medical supplies to the affected regions,” Health Ministry spokesperson Widyawati said in a written statement on Monday, September 21, 2026.

As of September 16, 2026, more than 151,000 ARI cases had been recorded across seven provinces and 63 regencies/cities.

The ministry has mobilized thousands of medical personnel across the seven affected provinces. The deployment aims to support local medical teams and expand access to medical care for more than 13 million residents.

“We are taking this action to bring medical assistance closer to affected residents. We also aim to support and reinforce local health workers who have been working hard since the situation began,” Widyawati said.

The ministry is distributing logistical supplies, including 1,927,554 masks for public protection, 280 oxygen concentrator units, and 36 oxygen cylinders to meet critical oxygen needs.

“We are providing 328 supplementary food packages, along with medicines and vitamins to boost immunity. Oxygen concentrators and cylinders are being prioritized to strengthen health facilities in the areas most severely affected by the fires,” she said.

The ministry has ensured that health facilities in affected areas are prepared, including 1,691 community health centers (puskesmas), 360 referral hospitals, and 87 public health laboratories for rapid medical response and air quality testing.

“The Ministry of Health is committed to maximizing the distribution of medical supplies to ensure public safety,” she emphasized.

The ministry also urges the public to limit outdoor activities and consistently wear masks.

She said vulnerable groups--particularly individuals with underlying conditions such as asthma and heart disease--are a government priority during the forest and land fire response period. (Misni Parjiati)