Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
Indonesia reports 333,470 respiratory infections linked to wildfires
Indonesia has recorded 333,470 acute respiratory infections linked to wildfires across the country.
The Health Ministry reported 4,522 new cases in the past 24 hours.
Months of fires have left air quality at dangerous levels in several areas, including South Sumatra, West Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.
Children, older people, pregnant women and people with asthma or COPD are considered especially vulnerable to the smoke.
The government says it is monitoring fire-related illnesses and supplying medicine and medical equipment to affected areas.
Land clearing by burning and El Niño conditions that reduce rainfall have worsened the fires, which have also sent smoke across several Southeast Asian countries; the government has not said when the outbreak will ease.
Indonesia’s Health Ministry has recorded 333,470 acute respiratory infection cases linked to forest fires.
The ministry reported 4,522 new cases in the latest 24 hours.
Air quality in several fire-affected areas has reached hazardous levels.
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with asthma or COPD are among the groups receiving special attention.
The ministry says it is monitoring fire-related illnesses and supplying affected areas with medicines and medical equipment.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Ministry of Health reported the cases.
- What
- It recorded 333,470 acute respiratory infection cases linked to forest fires, including 4,522 new cases in the latest 24 hours.
- When
- The figures were reported on October 23, 2026.
- Where
- The cases were recorded across several fire-affected regions of Indonesia.
- Why
- Wildfire smoke can cause respiratory infections and other health problems.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
More than 202,000 hectares were damaged by fires, according to Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry.
Government data said 54,394 personnel fought fires in Indonesia.
The Health Ministry reported 333,470 fire-linked respiratory infection cases and 4,522 new cases in the latest 24 hours.
- Total cases
- 333,470 acute respiratory infections
- New cases
- 4,522 in the latest 24 hours
- Priority provinces
- Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan
- Personnel
- 54,394 fought fires in August-September 2026
- Area damaged
- More than 202,000 hectares in January-July 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Special attention is being focused on vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, pregnant women, people with asthma or COPD, and outdoor workers.
The government is actively monitoring trends in fire-related illnesses, such as ARIs, pneumonia, asthma, and eye and skin irritation, while ensuring an adequate supply of medicines, medical consumables, and health equipment in affected regions.