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[INTERNATIONAL] · Indonesia · 10 sources

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Indonesia faces hazardous air quality crisis due to widespread forest fires

forest fires air pollution hazardous air quality wildfires respiratory health

Large-scale forest and land fires across Indonesia have triggered a severe air quality crisis, with several regions reporting hazardous pollution levels. In Palembang, South Sumatra, air quality has reached dangerous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations recorded as high as 528. This environmental emergency has led to a surge in health issues, including over 12,000 cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA) in Palembang within the first three weeks of September 2026.

Satellite data from BMKG identified over 2,000 hotspots across Sumatra, with South Sumatra accounting for the largest share at 1,468. Other regions, including Kalimantan and Riau, are also experiencing critical pollution. Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan recorded an extremely high ISPU of 3,174, while South Kalimantan reported the worst overall index in the country at 920.

In response to the fires, particularly in the peatlands of Ogan Komering Ilir, the Indonesian National Police have deployed specialized drones equipped with X-Fire extinguishing liquid to reach inaccessible fire points. Meanwhile, authorities in Bengkalis and Jakarta have issued health advisories, urging residents to wear masks and limit outdoor activities due to unhealthy air conditions.

Entities

Baghdad · Dhaka · Dubai · IQAir · Indonesian National Police · Jakarta · Kalimantan · Ministry of Environment and Forestry · Palembang · South Sumatra · Sumatra

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Jakarta's air quality was categorized as unhealthy with an AQI of 183 on September 28, 2026. www.rri.co.id
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] South Kalimantan recorded the worst air quality in Indonesia with an ISPU of 920 on September 28, 2026. dutatv.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Over 2,000 hotspots were detected across Sumatra, with South Sumatra contributing 1,468 hotspots. www.ekuatorial.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, reached an ISPU of 3,174. katadata.co.id
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] 12,589 residents in Palembang were affected by Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA) between September 1 and 21, 2026. www.ekuatorial.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Drones equipped with X-Fire extinguishing liquid were deployed to combat forest fires in Ogan Komering Ilir. sumeks.disway.id · media.sindonews.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Palembang air quality reached hazardous levels with PM2.5 concentrations as high as 528 in Musi 2. www.ekuatorial.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Bengkalis air quality reached an ISPU of 286, categorized as very unhealthy, on September 29, 2026. www.riaupembaruan.com

Sources

Negara Pasif Menangani Kabut Asap di Palembang yang Semakin Pekat [www.ekuatorial.com]
Kualitas Udara Palembang Terganggu Kabut Asap Akibat Kebakaran Lahan Talang Jambi [mediakampung.com]
ISPU Bengkalis Tembus 286, DLH: Kurangi Aktivitas di Luar Rumah [www.riaupembaruan.com]
Waspada Polusi, Udara Jakarta Masuk Kategori Tidak Sehat Senin Ini [www.rri.co.id]
Drone X-Fire Dikerahkan Menyasar Karhutla di Lahan Gambut OKI [sumeks.disway.id]
Kemarin, KLHK Rilis Kualitas Udara Kalsel Urutan Atas Terburuk [dutatv.com]
FOTO: Tiga Drone Mabes Polri Diterjunkan Padamkan Karhutla di Ogan Ilir [media.sindonews.com]
Udara Jakarta terburuk keenam di dunia pada Selasa pagi [www.antaranews.com]
Kualitas Udara Kalimantan - Sumatra Belum Pulih, Ini Wilayah Paling Berpolusi - Nasional Katadata. co. id [katadata.co.id]
Kualitas Udara Tanjungpinang Kategori Sedang, BMKG Ungkap Asap Kiriman dan Potensi Hujan - Ulasan. co [ulasan.co]