Forest Fires Worsen Air Quality, Dompet Dhuafa Intensifies Mask Distribution

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Dompet Dhuafa distributed masks to residents in Lintang Batang Hamlet, Sui Ambawang, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, on Sunday (30/08/2026).

“DMC Dompet Dhuafa has been distributing masks daily since 21 August 2026. As of today, approximately 1,000 masks have been distributed to residents affected by the haze in the Sui Ambawang area,” said Eka Suwandi, Head of Emergency Response, Recovery, and Reconstruction at DMC Dompet Dhuafa.

According to Eka, DMC Dompet Dhuafa, in collaboration with Dompet Umat, has also established a medical post in Lintang Batang Hamlet to serve residents experiencing health issues due to haze exposure.

“We are also actively participating in firefighting efforts in the Kubu Raya region, where numerous hotspots remain. We hope our efforts can help reduce the burden suffered by those affected by the forest and land fires,” added Eka.

Haze caused by forest and land fires has blanketed several areas in Kalimantan for the past two months, spanning from early or mid-July to August 2026. As a result of fires that have scorched thousands of hectares of land, air quality in Kalimantan has reached dangerous levels.

Referring to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 14 of 2022 regarding the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU), a range of 0-50 indicates good air quality, 51-100 indicates moderate quality, and 101-200 indicates unhealthy quality that is harmful to humans, animals, and plants.

Based on the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) page of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) on Sunday (30/08/2026) at 18:00 WIB, it was revealed that the air quality index in Central Kalimantan stood at 893. Meanwhile, in West, East, and South Kalimantan, the indices were 721, 300, and 289, respectively. Given this poor air quality, the use of masks has become an urgent necessity.