Wildfires in Indonesia Affect Health and Daily Life in West Kalimantan

The wildfires in Indonesia are significantly impacting public health in West Kalimantan, particularly affecting pregnant women and children. Schools have closed, and thousands are seeking medical treatment for exposure to haze and ash. Residents report that the situation is more severe than in previous years. Salma, a local resident, stated, "I have lived here for 15 years … I have never experienced a fire like this before. This is the first time something like this has happened." The fires have been burning for nearly two weeks, with Salma expressing fear for her safety and the safety of her home. Volunteer firefighter Anas Dwi Wahyu Kurniawan described the situation as "very serious," noting that the scale of the fires this year is comparable to those in 2016. The blazes have spread across Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Java, and Papua, with emergency crews working to control the fires. President Prabowo Subianto announced the deployment of helicopters, aircraft, water pumps, and personnel to combat the fires. Indonesia's Health Ministry reported that 3.4 million people are at risk of respiratory infections due to the haze, and over 260,000 face masks have been distributed to affected areas. Emergency crews are facing challenges such as water shortages and poor visibility due to haze. Dwi Wahyu Kurniawan highlighted limitations in personal protective equipment and emergency supplies, complicating firefighting efforts. Health professionals report an increase in patients with respiratory issues, with Dr. Muhammad Arief Trihapsoro noting that 50 to 70 patients visit the clinic daily with symptoms like coughing and sore throats. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable, with parents frequently bringing their children to health clinics. Siti Zahra, a mother of two, expressed concern over her children's health, stating they have been sick multiple times due to the smoke and ash. She described the pervasive ash in her home, which requires constant cleaning, and expressed worry about the long-term health effects of the haze on her children.