Forest Fires: WVI Distributes Masks and Clean Water to West Kalimantan Communities

Through coordination with provincial and regency governments to strengthen the monitoring and management of the health conditions of supported children.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The humanitarian organisation Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) has distributed approximately 10,000 masks and 16,000 litres of clean water in West Kalimantan to assist communities affected by forest and land fires (karhutla), haze, and drought in the province.

“As of 31 August, WVI has distributed around 10,000 N95/KN95 surgical masks and 16,000 litres of clean water,” said Ronny Ichwan, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs (HEA) Specialist at Wahana Visi Indonesia, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

The aid was delivered across five regencies in West Kalimantan: Kubu Raya, Landak, Sintang, Bengkayang, and Sekadau.

WVI has deployed disaster response teams tasked to operate in these five regencies until October 2026.

In responding to the impact of forest fires, WVI is coordinating with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Health Office, village governments, local churches, and local communities across two main aspects.

First, health, through the distribution of masks and clean water, as well as education on preventing health impacts caused by haze. Second, advocacy, through coordination with provincial and regency governments to strengthen the monitoring and management of the health conditions of supported children.

“In the field, shortness of breath is the most common health complaint experienced by children due to the haze, and our findings show dozens of cases of children suffering from Acute Respiratory Infections (ISPA). Therefore, our disaster response prioritises the distribution of masks and clean water, health education, and direct monitoring of the health conditions of supported children to minimise long-term impacts,” he said.

Additionally, the prolonged dry season has contributed to a clean water crisis.

Meanwhile, the National Director of Wahana Visi Indonesia, Angelina Theodora, stated that WVI’s focus is to ensure children’s rights to health and a decent life.

“We are deeply concerned about the impact of haze and forest fires experienced by the people of West Kalimantan, especially children. Unhealthy air and the clean water crisis can directly impact their health and safety,” she said.