South Kalimantan Government and GAPKI Distribute 20,000 Masks to Protect Residents from Forest Fire Haze

The South Kalimantan provincial government, in collaboration with the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), has distributed 20,000 masks to protect residents from the haze caused by ongoing forest and land fires (karhutla). The initiative addresses the growing health concerns as smoke blankets several areas in the province.

Rahmat Prapto Udoyo, Head of the South Kalimantan Environmental Agency (DLH), praised the business sector's support in tackling karhutla, noting that eight companies, including GAPKI, have joined the ground task force. He expressed hope that the synergy between government, law enforcement, businesses, and the community would strengthen karhutla management and mitigate the impact of haze on public health and daily activities.

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So the total masks we distributed reached 20,000. A total of 17,500 were handed over through DLH and BPBD, while 2,500 were distributed directly to the community along with DLH, Disbunnak and BPBD Kalsel.

Hairuddin, Executive Secretary of GAPKI South Kalimantan, stated that the mask distribution reflects the business world's concern for the community. "A total of 20,000 masks were distributed, with 17,500 handed over through DLH and BPBD, and 2,500 distributed directly to the public," he said. He emphasized that joint efforts are crucial to manage the worsening haze conditions.

Beyond mask distribution, GAPKI has committed to supporting firefighting operations by deploying fire crews from its member companies. This commitment follows a directive from the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Food Security on August 18, 2026, regarding anticipatory and mitigation measures for karhutla in South Kalimantan. The collaboration aims to bolster the response to the fires and protect the affected population.

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Including from GAPKI. So a total of eight business entities have joined the ground handling team for karhutla.