Indonesia Enhances Health Response as Forest Fires Affect 10.6 Million People

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Health is strengthening its health response to forest and land fires affecting several parts of the country. The ministry’s vice minister assured that they are providing medical services to protect communities from health risks caused by smoke exposure.

Vice Health Minister, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, said the fires had affected seven provinces, with more than 10.6 million people impacted, according to the ministry’s situation report as of August 27, 2026. The affected provinces are West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Jambi, Riau and South Sumatra.

The report recorded 123 people with severe injuries or requiring hospitalization and two people with minor injuries or requiring outpatient treatment. No deaths or displaced residents had been reported as of the latest update.

“Forest and land fires not only affect the environment, but can also cause various health problems, particularly due to exposure to smoke and particulate matter,” Dante said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Respiratory illnesses were among the most frequently reported health problems. The ministry recorded 4,082 cases of acute respiratory infections, or ARI, on August 27, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 13,449 across 63 districts and municipalities in the seven affected provinces.

Smoke from forest and land fires can cause respiratory infections, coughing, shortness of breath, sore throats, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as eye and skin irritation. Prolonged exposure can also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke, particularly among vulnerable groups.

“Children, older people, pregnant women, people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as workers who spend significant amounts of time outdoors require special attention,” Dante said.

Air quality has also deteriorated in several affected areas. Monitoring of Indonesia’s Air Pollution Standard Index on August 27 showed some locations reaching “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” levels, with PM2.5 identified as the critical pollutant.

Pontianak in West Kalimantan recorded an index of 328, classified as hazardous. Tebo Regency in Jambi recorded 287, followed by South Barito in Central Kalimantan at 274, Katingan at 258 and Pali Regency in South Sumatra at 255, all classified as very unhealthy.

To maintain healthcare services in affected areas, local governments and the Health Ministry have mobilized medical personnel. As of August 27, a total of 848 healthcare workers had been deployed across the seven affected provinces, including doctors, nurses, midwives, public health workers, laboratory analysts, pharmacists, epidemiologists, sanitation workers and other support personnel.

The Health Ministry has urged residents in affected areas to monitor air quality and reduce outdoor activities when conditions deteriorate. People who need to go outdoors are advised to wear masks and eye protection, stay hydrated and maintain clean and healthy living practices.