ISPA Cases Rise in Six Provinces Due to Forest and Land Fires

Cases of acute respiratory infection (ISPA) have been reported to have risen significantly in six provinces due to forest and land fires (karhutla). The affected areas include Jambi, South Sumatra, Riau, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.

Head of the Health Crisis Centre at the Ministry of Health, Agus Jamaludin, said the most striking increase occurred in Central Kalimantan at 3.44%. Of the total 3,874 recorded cases, 41 patients required hospitalisation.

A similar situation occurred in West Kalimantan, where from 1 January to 7 August 2026, the number of ISPA cases reached 165,747. The upward trend in that region has been visible since week 21. Meanwhile, South Kalimantan recorded 18,423 cases, followed by an increase in cases in Riau Province.

“For each province, we have mobilised reserve health workers, from doctors to environmental health workers, totalling 321 people,” Agus said in an online press conference on Wednesday (26/8).

Director of Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health, Then Suyanti, explained that karhutla smoke contains fine particulate matter PM2.5, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and toxic organic compounds. These contents trigger short but severe health problems, especially for asthma sufferers and those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

In addition to respiratory issues, exposure to smoke also risks causing eye and skin irritation, as well as systemic impacts such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are a protection priority.

Currently, three areas in South Sumatra still show an Air Pollutant Standard Index (ISPU) in the unhealthy category. Overall, an estimated 3,405,489 residents are affected by karhutla, and the relevant provinces have declared emergency alert status.