Pekanbaru Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Level Due to Forest Fire Haze

Haze from forest and land fires in Riau caused air quality in Pekanbaru to plummet to hazardous levels, with particulate matter reaching 276 micrograms per cubic metre at 9.00 am Western Indonesia Time on Tuesday (18/8). According to PM2.5 data from the official BMKG website, air quality in Pekanbaru had previously been recorded at an unhealthy level of around 66.8 micrograms per cubic metre before reaching the hazardous threshold. By 1.00 pm, PM2.5 levels had fallen to a moderate level of around 42.2 micrograms per cubic metre.

“The haze surrounded Pekanbaru and the air quality level was at a hazardous level at 9 o’clock this morning. There was no notification from the government for schoolchildren. There was only an appeal from the school to wear masks,” said Budi, a Pekanbaru resident, on Tuesday (18/8).

The haze conditions did not diminish during the day. Sunlight, which is usually clear and scorching in sunny weather, became slightly dimmed and shrouded in smoke. Clouds were still visible in the sky despite being covered by white haze. Although shop and office buildings appeared veiled in smoke, residents continued their outdoor activities and city streets remained busy as usual.

Responding to the worsening air quality caused by forest and land fire haze, the Riau Health Office issued safety advisories. Head of the Riau Health Office, Zulkifli, stressed that vulnerable groups are at the highest risk of being affected by the decline in air quality.

“For vulnerable groups such as the elderly, toddlers, and people with a history of respiratory illness, it is best to reduce outdoor activities,” he said on Tuesday (18/8).

He urged residents not to ignore safety advice if they must leave home for activities. Self-protection measures and maintaining the immune system are key at this time.

“If you must go outside, wear a mask. Then drink plenty of water and consume vitamins to boost your immune system,” he said.

In addition to personal protection outdoors, residents are also advised to prevent smoke from accumulating inside their homes. Residents are urged to limit outside air circulation if the haze around their homes begins to thicken.

“If the smoke becomes denser, home ventilation should be minimised so that outside smoke does not enter in large quantities,” he concluded.