Indonesia: Forest fire response must include health protection

Indonesian Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized that efforts to combat forest and land fires must go hand-in-hand with protecting public health. Speaking at a fire-fighting event in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Nurofiq highlighted the deteriorating air quality caused by the fires.

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Air quality is a concern in handling forest and land fires because, based on information, the air pollution standard index (ISPU) has reached around 100 micrograms per cubic meter, so public awareness needs to be increased.

The Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) in the region has reached approximately 100 micrograms per cubic meter, a level considered unhealthy by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nurofiq stated that this figure necessitates increased public vigilance.

In response to the poor air quality, Nurofiq urged residents in affected areas to wear masks when outdoors to minimize health risks from smoke exposure. The local government has also established health posts to assist those experiencing respiratory problems or other health issues related to smoke inhalation.

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ISPU in Banjarbaru at 100 micrograms per cubic meter. So, by WHO standards, this is unhealthy.

Nurofiq encouraged people experiencing health complaints to utilize these available health posts, where they can receive direct assistance from the South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office. He reiterated that tackling the fires and safeguarding public health are parallel priorities, ensuring that efforts to extinguish the fires align with preventing smoke's impact on the community.

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The important thing is that people wear masks when outdoors and immediately utilize health posts if they experience health problems.