Smog Still Blankets Palembang, Air Quality Unhealthy

Smog from forest and land fires in several areas of South Sumatra still blanketed Palembang on Monday (24/8).

Thick smog was visible along Soekarno Hatta Road, according to monitoring by Detiksumbagsel. Similar conditions were observed in the city centre, including on Merdeka Road, Kapten A Rivai Road and Sumpah Pemuda-Angkatan 45 Road.

Smoke was also still visible above the Ampera Bridge, though not as thick as on Sunday morning (23/8). Visibility remained safe for driving.

One motorist, Iqbal (20), said the smoke was still visible although it had thinned compared with the previous day. He continued to wear a mask to protect his health.

“Yesterday it was quite thick, like the videos on social media. But today the smoke has reduced, hopefully it will disappear soon,” he said.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said air quality in Palembang, South Sumatra, was at an unhealthy level due to forest and land fires in several parts of the province.

Head of the Class I Climatology Station for South Sumatra, Wandayantolis, said that based on monitoring at the PM2.5 Musi 2 Palembang station, air quality from Sunday (23/8) until Monday morning was categorised as unhealthy due to the smog.

PM2.5 refers to airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter.

BMKG data showed the concentration of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, at the Musi 2 Palembang station reached 69.5 micrograms per cubic metre, which falls into the unhealthy category.

The condition was partly influenced by smoke from forest and land fires in several parts of South Sumatra carried into Palembang.

He urged the public to limit outdoor activities, especially residents with respiratory problems.

“If you must go outside, it is best to protect yourself with a mask and glasses,” he said.

Meanwhile, Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa distributed 16,000 free masks to residents and motorists affected by the smog.

The mask distribution was carried out at several traffic light points and sub-district offices across Palembang. According to him, the distribution was being conducted in stages.

“Together with all Forkopimda members, we are carrying out a movement to distribute masks free of charge. Approximately 16,000 masks are being distributed to the public in stages,” he said.

The Palembang SAR Office in South Sumatra urged ship captains and water transport users on the Musi River to be alert to the smog.

Head of the Palembang SAR Office, Raymond Konstantin, warned that smog can significantly reduce visibility, potentially increasing the risk of accidents, especially for vessels sailing at night or during periods of limited visibility.

“To anticipate the danger of accidents on the water, the Palembang SAR Office has instructed a number of preventive measures for all shipping operators,” he said.

He added that precautions included reducing speed, with boat operators asked to limit their speed when passing through areas prone to limited visibility.

Navigation should also be maximised by actively switching on navigation lights to mark the vessel’s presence for other waterway users.

Safety equipment should be checked to ensure all personal and vessel safety gear is ready for use.

Raymond stressed that boat operators should not force a journey if visibility on the ground is deemed unsafe. Captains are advised to immediately seek a safe anchorage or delay departure until weather conditions improve.

“Safety is the top priority. Do not force a voyage when visibility is limited due to smog. Prioritise the safety of yourself, passengers and all crew members,” he said.

President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting on forest and land fire management in Palembang today.

Prabowo arrived in Palembang after holding a meeting at Pos Aju in Riau. He sat in the centre and led the meeting. The meeting began with an explanation from the Head of the South Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), M Iqbal Alisyahbana.

Also present were Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak.