Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:42 AM

VP Gibran urges protection for vulnerable groups amid haze

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Firman, Rahmad Nasution

Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged authorities on Thursday to protect vulnerable groups from smoke haze caused by forest and land fires still affecting several provinces in Kalimantan.

"According to the latest reports, cases of acute respiratory infections have increased, so this requires attention," Gibran said in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan.

Gibran called for health services, from community health centers to hospitals, to be optimised to anticipate an increase in acute respiratory infection patients.

Vulnerable groups—including infants, young children, children, pregnant women, older people and people with disabilities—must be prioritised for adequate healthcare services, he said.

"If necessary, conduct door-to-door visits in areas severely affected by smoke haze," he said.

Gibran also expressed concern for officers and volunteers working on the ground to extinguish fires. He said frontline personnel should not become so focused on their duties that they neglect their own health and safety.

"Exposure to smoke haze is highly dangerous. Ensure the use of health-standard masks and other personal protective equipment," he said.

Gibran also urged health workers to regularly visit posts supporting forest and land fire response efforts to check the health of personnel, including community volunteers.

"The state must be present for those fighting on the ground," he said.

Gibran inspected forest and land fire response efforts in Ring 1 of Syamsudin Noor International Airport in Banjarbaru, where numerous hotspots remain under control efforts.

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