Indonesia sets up 477 emergency oxygen shelters amid wildfire haze

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Health has established 477 emergency oxygen shelters across community health centers (puskesmas), hospitals, and public facilities in seven provinces to treat residents affected by toxic haze from ongoing forest and land fires.

Aji Muhawarman, head of the ministry’s Public Communications and Information Bureau, said here on Wednesday that Central Kalimantan hosts the highest number with 295 shelters, followed by South Kalimantan (127) and West Kalimantan (35).

According to data from the ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, forest fires spanning 65 districts and cities in those seven provinces have caused 314,124 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI).

Among those infected, 70,890 are infants and children under five. On October 20 alone, the ministry recorded 3,269 new respiratory cases.

In response to the surge, the ministry has bolstered the readiness of 1,691 community health centers and 360 regional hospitals. Free medical treatment is being provided for wildfire-related ailments, including ARI and diarrhea.

The government has also distributed 578,878 packages of essential medications — including cough syrups, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheal treatments — alongside 1,500 vitamin kits and emergency health supplies.

"We have delivered approximately 3.7 million N95 and surgical masks, far exceeding the initial target of 500,000 per province, as well as oxygen concentrators and personal protective equipment (PPE)," Muhawarman said.

More than 2,600 health professionals, including physicians, nurses, and epidemiologists, have been deployed to affected areas.

The ministry is also tracking air quality via the Air Pollutant Standard Index (ISPU), conducting public health campaigns, and operating a real-time digital dashboard to help residents monitor local pollution levels and locate the nearest oxygen shelter.

Earlier on Monday (October 19), Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stressed that emergency medical distribution must proceed without bureaucratic delay, urging tight coordination with regional administrations.

To protect high-risk groups, particularly toddlers, pregnant women, and older people, the ministry is working with local administrations and community health workers to prepare door-to-door health services.

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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Uyu Liman
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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