# Haze and air quality issues in Pekanbaru

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/haze-and-air-quality-issues-in-pekanbaru
> Updated: 2026-10-12T16:26:20.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Pekanbaru has implemented mask distribution programs to mitigate health risks caused by deteriorating air quality and haze. On October 8, 2026, Deputy Mayor Markarius Anwar distributed approximately 2,000 masks to traders and visitors at Pasar Cik Puan as air quality reached the ‘very unhealthy’ category.

By October 12, the city government received 6,000 additional masks from BPJS Kesehatan for distribution through community health centers and government offices. While local BMKG data indicated no active hotspots within Riau province, the Riau Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) noted that haze was being carried into the region from neighboring areas experiencing forest and land fires.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Pekanbaru distributes free masks amid regional haze

Pekanbaru authorities are distributing 6,000 free masks to combat fluctuating air quality and haze caused by transboundary smoke, despite no active hotspots being detected within Riau province.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pekanbaru-distributes-free-masks-amid-regional-haze

### 2026-10-09: Pekanbaru Deputy Mayor distributes 2,000 masks amid unhealthy haze

Pekanbaru Deputy Mayor Markarius Anwar distributed 2,000 masks at Pasar Cik Puan to protect traders and visitors from very unhealthy air quality caused by thickening haze.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pekanbaru-deputy-mayor-distributes-2000-masks-amid-unhealthy-haze

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Cite as: Haze and air quality issues in Pekanbaru. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/haze-and-air-quality-issues-in-pekanbaru