# Pontianak forest fire haze and company license suspensions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pontianak-forest-fire-haze-and-health-crisis
> Updated: 2026-09-03T23:00:40.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Forest and land fires in the Pontianak region have led to deteriorating air quality and hazardous haze, resulting in significant public health and social impacts. Medical reports from Bhayangkara Anton Soedjarwo Hospital indicate that pneumonia cases have increased by approximately 10 to 20 percent due to the haze. Hospital officials have begun securing medical personnel and equipment to manage the rise in respiratory infections, noting that children and the elderly are at the highest risk. As the drought and smoke persisted, thousands of residents gathered at the Masjid Raya Mujahidin to perform Salat Istisqa, a prayer for rain. This spiritual effort was conducted alongside technical measures, with participants wearing masks to protect against dangerous air quality levels. Local authorities maintained policies to suspend in-person learning and advised the public to limit outdoor activities. Humanitarian groups, including NU Care-LAZISNU and student organizations IPNU-IPPNU, conducted relief efforts by distributing masks and mineral water to commuters to mitigate smoke inhalation and dehydration. The Aliansi Mahasiswa Pontianak Peduli, a coalition of local universities, also contributed by distributing 2,000 masks to motorists and pedestrians. During late August and early September 2026, air quality reached critical levels. PM2.5 concentrations were recorded as high as 763, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s 24-hour safety threshold of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. While heavy rainfall between September 4 and September 5, 2026, provided temporary relief, dense haze continues to affect residents and outdoor workers. In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Forestry has suspended the business licenses of five companies in West Kalimantan: PT Mahkota Rimba Utama, PT Hutan Ketapang Industri, PT Mayawana Persada Mas, PT Duta Andalan Sukses, and PT Wana Lestari Jaya.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Pontianak air quality reaches dangerous levels due to forest fires

Severe forest fire haze in Pontianak, Indonesia, has triggered mask distribution efforts by students and organizations as PM2.5 levels reached dangerous heights, though recent heavy rains have begun clearing it

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pontianak-rainfall-clears-haze-from-forest-fires

### 2026-08-29: Pontianak residents perform Salat Istisqa prayers amid hazardous haze

Thousands of residents in Pontianak performed Salat Istisqa prayers to request rain amid a prolonged drought and hazardous haze caused by forest and land fires.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pontianak-residents-perform-salat-istisqa-prayers-amid-hazardous-haze

### 2026-08-28: Pontianak pneumonia cases rise 20% due to forest fire haze

Pneumonia cases in Pontianak have risen by up to 20 percent due to poor air quality from forest and land fires, prompting hospital readiness measures and health warnings for vulnerable groups.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pontianak-pneumonia-cases-rise-20-due-to-forest-fire-haze

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Cite as: Pontianak forest fire haze and company license suspensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pontianak-forest-fire-haze-and-health-crisis