Riau air quality reaches unhealthy levels amid haze

The air quality in Pekanbaru, Riau, has reached ‘very unhealthy’ levels due to persistent haze, despite a relatively low number of hotspots in the province compared to other regions in Sumatra. On September 14, 2026, BMKG data indicated that Pekanbaru’s PM2.5 concentration reached 164.8 micrograms per cubic meter, with an AQI of 206 US. This has also reduced visibility in the city to approximately five kilometers.

In Riau, 42 hotspots were detected, with the highest concentration in Indragiri Hulu at 22 points. Other areas with hotspots include Kuantan Singingi, Siak, Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Pelalawan, Rokan Hilir, Kampar, Rokan Hulu, and Dumai. Across Sumatra, a total of 1,452 hotspots were recorded, with South Sumatra accounting for the majority at 1,026 points.

Weather forecasts for Riau predict conditions ranging from hazy to partly cloudy, with temperatures between 23 and 34 degrees Celsius. No official weather warnings have been issued for the region.