Respiratory Cases Surpass 170,000 in Haze-Affected Indonesia

Indonesia reports over 170,000 respiratory cases due to haze from wildfires, with toddlers heavily impacted.

September 24, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Jakarta, Indonesia — Over 170,000 individuals have developed acute respiratory infections in regions affected by haze from widespread forest and land fires in Indonesia, according to a health ministry official.

The fires, primarily in Borneo, Sumatra, and Papua, have spread toxic smog across the country and into neighboring nations like Malaysia and Singapore, causing severe drops in air quality. The harmful pollutants include PM 2.5, a fine particulate matter that poses serious health risks such as respiratory infections.

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Health officials reported 174,694 cases of acute respiratory infections between August and September 21 in fire-affected areas. More than 40,000 of these cases involved children under five. The number has risen from 113,000 reported earlier in September. The ministry has dispatched oxygen concentrators, face masks, and oxygen canisters to aid those affected, while urging the public to limit outdoor activity and stay hydrated during poor air quality conditions.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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