In brief
Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan, is cloaked in a dense orange haze from burning peat and forest lands. The Indonesian Environmental Ministry reports an ISPU index over 1,200, quadruple the hazardous threshold of 300. Residents captured videos of the invisible wall of smoke rolling across streets, raising alarms about respiratory health and livelihood. The haze spreads to neighboring countries, underscoring the regional impact of slash‑and‑burn practices.
Palangka Raya, the administrative centre of Central Kalimantan, is wrapped in an opaque orange haze that has been captured by local residents on camera. The smog, a result of extensive peatland and forest fires, has forced schools, hospitals and markets to suspend normal operations.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Environment, the Index of Air Quality (ISPU) reached 1,216 in the capital, more than four times the hazardous level of 300. Such readings indicate a substantial risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems for thousands of residents.
The haze is not confined to Kalimantan. Singapore and Malaysia are experiencing similar conditions, and scientists warn that the charcoal and ash can travel long distances, affecting air quality across Southeast Asia.
Investigations point to the use of “slash‑and‑burn” as a primary driver of the fires. While the practice is aimed at clearing land for agriculture, it releases large volumes of particulate matter and toxic gases, aggravating the smog crisis.
Health officials are urging people to stay indoors, use masks and monitor daily air‑quality alerts. The government has called for stricter enforcement of forest‑fire regulations and support for farmers to adopt sustainable land‑management techniques.
For more on Indonesia’s haze crisis and related regional implications, read the full article at BBC News.
