Haze blankets North Kalimantan, but speedboat services remain normal

Speedboat services connecting Tanjung Selor and Tarakan in North Kalimantan are operating as usual, unaffected by the haze from land and forest fires. Port authorities confirmed on Saturday that passenger services remain normal, with an increase in both speedboats and passengers compared to the previous day.

Safety remains paramount, with port officials strictly adhering to weather predictions from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Sailing permits are only issued if BMKG forecasts clear conditions, ensuring the safety of maritime travel. This reliance on official weather data comes as the haze, originating from fires in North Kalimantan and other Kalimantan regions, has begun to blanket Tanjung Selor, reducing visibility to 3-4 meters.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the North Kalimantan Health Agency has urged residents, particularly outdoor workers, to wear high-filtration masks. Officials specifically recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks to effectively reduce exposure to fine particles in the smoke. The agency cautioned against relying on cloth or standard medical masks, emphasizing the need for superior protection in heavily polluted conditions.