Pekanbaru, MINA – Smoke from forest and land fires has caused more than 11,700 reported health problems in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, prompting local authorities to strengthen medical services and distribute free masks as air pollution continues to affect residents.
Pekanbaru Health Agency chief Hazli Fendriyanto said 11,707 cases had been recorded since the city declared a forest and land fire emergency alert on August 25, 2026. The figures were collected from 21 community health centers and 30 hospitals across the city.
Acute respiratory infections accounted for the largest share, with 9,816 cases. Health officials also recorded 892 cases of acute asthma, 498 cases of skin irritation and 328 cases of eye irritation or conjunctivitis associated with exposure to harmful particles in the smoke.
To prepare for a possible increase in patients, the Pekanbaru municipal government has extended operating hours at all community health centers until 9 p.m. The facilities also remain open on Saturdays and Sundays, with supplies of medicines, oxygen cylinders and health posts made available.
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The Health Agency has prepared approximately 75,000 masks in storage and distributed nearly 100,000 free masks through community health centers, according to the report.
Authorities have urged residents to reduce outdoor activities, wear masks when necessary and keep doors and home ventilation openings closed to limit smoke exposure.
Young children, infants and older people are among the groups considered particularly vulnerable to the effects of polluted air.
The growing number of reported health problems highlights the public health impact of the fires and the need for residents to take precautions while the smoke continues to affect the city.[]
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