DPR Raises Public Concerns Over Flights Disrupted by Forest and Land Fires

A member of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Irine Yusiana Roba Putri, has highlighted public concern over flights disrupted by forest and land fires (karhutla). She said she had received reports that thousands of domestic flights had been affected by the fires.

“When thick smoke spreads and thousands of flights are affected, many people have to postpone family reunions, healthcare matters and urgent work,” the PDI-P legislator told reporters on Tuesday (13 October 2026).

She said she understood that airlines’ decisions to delay, cancel or divert flights were important measures to protect passengers’ lives. However, she urged the government, particularly the Ministry of Transportation, and airlines to provide anticipatory and responsive services to manage the disruption.

“In a situation of such uncertainty caused by the weather and smoke, people urgently need regular updates that are clear, prompt and reassuring,” Irine said.

“We hope airlines and airport authorities will provide proper assistance with schedule changes and ensure passengers’ rights are upheld,” she added.

She said that the handling of the situation and updates provided by airlines and the Ministry of Transportation would help reassure passengers.

She also cautioned that passengers should not feel neglected because of poor cross-sector coordination during the emergency. Coordination among the Ministry of Transportation, airport operators, airlines and local governments was essential to ensure that the public continued to receive proper support, she said.