Indonesia reports 400,000 weekly respiratory infection cases

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has reported a significant rise in acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases, reaching over 400,000 cases per week during the early dry season (weeks 27–31 of 2026). This trend marks an increase compared to the same period in 2025.

A primary driver for this surge is the dry season and the impact of forest and land fires (karhutla). Officials noted that forest fire activity typically increases around July and peaks between August and September.

As of August 17, 2026, the government has deployed 90 health workers and various medical logistics to respond to health disturbances caused by forest fires across several regions in Indonesia.