Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 05:10 AM UTC

Health Ministry monitors ARI cases amid forest fire haze

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Mecca Yumna, Raka Adji

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Health continues to monitor acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases, with 277,075 cases recorded across seven provinces affected by forest and land fires as of October 12, 2026.

Head of the ministry's Bureau of Communication and Public Information Aji Muhawarman said in Jakarta on Wednesday that the data was being monitored continuously to detect potential increases in cases and strengthen the public health response.

He said the ministry, in coordination with regional governments, had stepped up disease surveillance, healthcare services, facility preparedness, and logistics distribution.

As of October 12, a total of 2,106 medical personnel and healthcare workers had been deployed, while more than 2.8 million face masks had been distributed from central and regional government stockpiles.

"Haze from forest and land fires contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 and other harmful substances that can trigger ARI, coughing, and shortness of breath, as well as worsen asthma," Aji said.

He noted that infants, toddlers, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic lung diseases were among the groups most vulnerable to the effects of haze.

Aji advised parents and caregivers to take children to a healthcare facility immediately if they experience breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, or difficulty breastfeeding or drinking.

He added that prolonged exposure to haze could also affect mental health, causing stress and anxiety as socioeconomic activities, education, and work were disrupted.

To help address these effects, the public was encouraged to maintain daily routines and provide children with indoor activities in areas with cleaner air. Parents and caregivers were also advised to watch for behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, and changes in eating habits.

Aji also urged the public to limit outdoor activities when air quality deteriorates. People who need to go outside were advised to wear well-fitted respirators, such as N95 or KN95 masks, to help filter fine particulate matter.

The ministry called on local authorities to ensure healthcare services were prepared to respond to the situation and to protect vulnerable groups in affected areas.

Regional governments are also encouraged to optimize available facilities to serve as safe, haze-free shelters equipped with suitable air purifiers and access to medical services.

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