Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 hrs ago
Indonesia wildfire haze raises concerns over health risks
Months of wildfires have spread thick haze across Indonesia, affecting millions of people in the country and neighboring areas.
Indonesia’s Health Ministry recorded 333,470 acute respiratory infection cases in six of the worst-affected provinces by Oct.
21.
CREA estimated that wildfire-related air pollution contributed to 3,560 deaths in September, more than twice its estimate for August; this is an estimate, not a confirmed count of deaths caused by the haze.
In East Kalimantan, a toddler was diagnosed with pneumonia during the haze, while a baby died after sudden breathing difficulties; the family suspects the smog played a role, but the cause is not established.
People in Singapore and Malaysia have also reported health problems, and authorities there have recorded increases in respiratory illness.
Experts warn that repeated exposure to fine-particle pollution may cause long-term health problems and say public-health protections should be strengthened.
They are calling for prevention to replace reactive wildfire policies, though no specific policy change or timeline is given.
Wildfire haze in Indonesia is linked to a growing toll on public health, with respiratory illnesses reported in Indonesia and neighboring countries.
Indonesia’s Health Ministry recorded 333,470 acute respiratory infection cases in six worst-affected provinces by Oct. 21.
CREA estimated that short-term exposure to wildfire-related air pollution contributed to 3,560 deaths in September, more than double its August estimate.
Health experts warn that repeated exposure to fine-particle pollution can cause long-term medical problems and call for stronger public-health protections.
- Who
- Residents, firefighters and health experts are among those affected or raising concerns.
- What
- Wildfire smoke is causing concern over respiratory illness and possible long-term health risks.
- When
- The fires and haze have lasted for months; the article reports health data through Oct. 21, 2026.
- Where
- Indonesia, including the provinces of East Kalimantan and South Kalimantan, as well as neighboring Singapore and Malaysia.
- Why
- Wildfires have produced thick haze and fine-particle air pollution; experts warn repeated exposure can harm health.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
CREA estimated that short-term exposure to wildfire-related air pollution contributed to 3,560 deaths.
Michael’s 20-month-old daughter developed a cough and shortness of breath as haze blanketed Balikpapan.
Michael told Mongabay Indonesia that smoke may have contributed to his daughter’s illness.
A 14-month-old baby, Yazlyn Syanindita, died after suddenly experiencing shortness of breath in Samarinda.
The Health Ministry’s recorded total of acute respiratory infection cases in six affected provinces reached 333,470; volunteer firefighter Nurdin also died after becoming ill while fighting a blaze.
- Respiratory infection cases
- 333,470 in six worst-affected provinces by Oct. 21
- Estimated deaths
- 3,560 in September, according to CREA
- Affected city
- Balikpapan, East Kalimantan
- Firefighter who died
- Nurdin, aged 51, in South Kalimantan
- Regional impact
- Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia
What people are saying
We were told that one factor that could have contributed to the illness was the smoke, which has also been getting thicker in Balikpapan
Her shortness of breath was so sudden
The government must not turn a blind eye
smoke poisoning