Residents of Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan on Borneo, are confronting a severe haze crisis as Indonesia’s worst wildfires in over a decade continue to smolder. The thick, smoky air has forced many, including 45‑year‑old mother of two Mimi Marlina, to ride motorbikes through the haze just to buy groceries.
“We can still hold it off with medicines, but I’m concerned that if this persists, it will lead to worse illnesses,” Marlina said, wearing a mask yet still struggling for breath. Her concerns echo those of local health officials who report a sharp rise in respiratory complaints.
Health impacts surge
Popong Solihat, head of a public‑health clinic in Pontianak, noted a jump in visits for coughing, sore throats and fever. In the first 11 days of September his clinic treated 187 breathing‑difficulty cases, compared with 422 for the entire month of August. “Daily visits now range between 80 and 120,” he added.
National health‑ministry data show more than 12.5 million people have been exposed to haze across seven Indonesian provinces. The number of patients with wildfire‑related respiratory illnesses in those provinces more than doubled, reaching 113,336 on September 9 from 50,891 on September 1.
Volunteer oxygen program
Community volunteers have launched a door‑to‑door campaign called “Rumah Oksigen” (Oxygen House), delivering oxygen cylinders to residents and firefighters struggling to breathe. One recipient, 54‑year‑old Suriana of Kubu Raya district, said her health has worsened as the haze intensifies, especially in mornings and evenings.
Government response
The Indonesian government has stepped up firefighting efforts, deploying more than 50 aircraft to drop water and conduct cloud‑seeding operations. Japan has also sent three CH‑47 Chinook helicopters and 180 crew members to assist.
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Fire Emissions Watch, Indonesia emitted 19.7 million metric tons of pollutants in the week to September 7, accounting for over a third of the global total.
Regional effects
The haze has crossed borders, prompting unhealthy air alerts in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia. Authorities in those countries are monitoring the situation as the transboundary smoke continues to drift.
Local officials and volunteers stress the importance of protective measures, such as masks and staying indoors when possible, while urging the public to support ongoing relief efforts. The combined response of community action and government resources aims to mitigate the health risks until the fires can be fully contained.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
