Gibran Rakabuming inspects healthcare readiness amid South Kalimantan forest fires

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming visited the Idaman Regional Hospital (RSDI) in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, to inspect healthcare readiness in response to ongoing forest and land fires (karhutla).

Between January 1 and September 10, 2026, South Kalimantan recorded 2,963 fire incidents affecting approximately 20,206 hectares of land. Banjarbaru has been one of the most heavily impacted areas, reporting 588 incidents and nearly 2,540 hectares of burned land.

The Vice President emphasized the need for hospitals to ensure the availability of medicine, oxygen, beds, medical personnel, and effective referral systems. He highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, during these environmental crises.