Indonesia: Wildfires Trigger Sharp Rise in Respiratory Illnesses
Indonesia is facing a serious public-health challenge as widespread forest and peatland fires have caused a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses across several provinces.
Health Ministry figures show that the number of people suffering from wildfire-related respiratory problems reached 113,336 by September 9, more than double the 50,891 cases recorded on September 1. The worst-affected areas include parts of Sumatra and Borneo, where smoke and haze have significantly reduced air quality.
Authorities say this year’s fire season has been particularly severe because of unusually hot and dry conditions associated with super-El Niño weather patterns. The fires have also produced extensive haze, affecting neighbouring countries including Malaysia and Singapore.
Indonesia has expanded its emergency response, deploying medical teams, masks and oxygen equipment to affected communities. More than 50 aircraft have also been involved in firefighting, including water-bombing and cloud-seeding operations.
Japan is providing additional assistance by sending three CH-47 Chinook helicopters and around 180 personnel to help Indonesian authorities tackle fires in West Kalimantan. The helicopters are expected to begin firefighting operations after preparatory flights.
The crisis is also creating environmental concerns. Large areas of forest and peatland have already been affected, while smoke pollution is creating health risks for millions of people. Indonesia is therefore facing pressure to strengthen both immediate firefighting operations and long-term forest-fire prevention.
The latest situation highlights how extreme weather conditions can turn forest fires into a major cross-border environmental and public-health crisis.
