Millions suffer respiratory illnesses as haze spreads nationwide
The article reports that millions of people across Indonesia are experiencing respiratory illnesses due to the spread of haze. Haze, often caused by forest fires and agricultural burning, has become a recurring environmental issue in the region. This phenomenon typically worsens during certain times of the year and affects air quality significantly. The health impacts of the haze include conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing-related ailments. Authorities and health organizations frequently warn about the dangers of prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Hundreds of schools in Sarawak were forced to close due to worsening haze conditions, according to reports from local media. The decision came after prolonged exposure to high levels of particulate matter, which made outdoor activities unsafe for students. The situation was exacerbated by ongoing forest and land fires in nearby regions, particularly in Central Kalimantan, where air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels. The haze crisis intensified over the past week, with smoke drifting across borders and affecting multiple provinces. In Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, authorities confirmed that air quality had reached dangerous levels, prompting urgent calls for action. Local officials cited data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which showed particulate matter (PM) levels exceeding safe thresholds. At 5 a.m. local time, PM readings hit 258.9, climbing further to 290.2 by 6 a.m. While levels improved later in the day, they remained within the unhealthy-to-moderate range throughout much of the morning. Forest and land fires continue to pose a major threat to both the environment and human health. According to the Palangka Raya Disaster Agency, there were 298 such fires recorded between June 1 and August 19, 2026, burning approximately 261.41 hectares of land. Most of these occurred in Jekan Raya, which saw 188 incidents, followed by Sabangau with 68, Pahandut with 25, and Bukit Batu with eight. Rakumpit, another subdistrict, reported no fires during this period. Officials emphasized that the region’s extensive peatland areas make it especially vulnerable to uncontrolled blazes, as peat burns produce dense smoke and are notoriously difficult to extinguish. City official Samsul Rizal warned that the haze not only harms the environment but also poses serious risks to public health. He highlighted that reduced visibility has disrupted transportation and daily life, while poor air quality threatens respiratory systems. “We need public awareness and participation to detect and prevent fires at an early stage,” Rizal stressed. He called on residents, businesses, and community leaders to take responsibility for protecting the environment and promptly reporting any suspicious activity that might lead to fires. Authorities have been working to contain the spread of fires, with increased efforts from both governmental agencies and law enforcement. Indonesian police have stepped up their crackdown on illegal burning, targeting individuals who may be responsible for igniting the flames. Meanwhile, the national ministry has instructed six governors to enhance their wildfire response strategies, emphasizing the need for coordinated action across affected regions. School closures in Sarawak reflect the broader impact of the haze crisis on education and daily life. With air quality remaining hazardous in some areas, local governments have taken swift measures to ensure student safety. Parents and educators have expressed concern over the long-term effects of repeated exposure to polluted air, though specific health impacts remain under investigation. As the situation continues to evolve, officials stress the importance of continued monitoring and public cooperation in mitigating future outbreaks.
3 reports
The Jakarta PostIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 658/26/2026
The article reports that millions of people across Indonesia are experiencing respiratory illnesses due to the spread of haze. Haze, often caused by forest fires and agricultural burning, has become a recurring environmental issue in the region. This phenomenon typically worsens during certain times of the year and affects air quality significantly. The health impacts of the haze include conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing-related ailments. Authorities and health organizations frequently warn about the dangers of prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the environmental impact of haze and its health effects without apparent ideological framing. It does not take a stance on policy responses or assign blame to specific groups, maintaining a balanced tone.
Why factuality (75): The article reports on the spread of haze and its impact on respiratory health, aligning with cross-source consensus that haze has caused widespread health issues. However, it lacks specific data or citations to support the claim of 'millions' suffering, making the scale of the impact less verifiabl
Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat alarmist, using phrases like 'suffer respiratory illnesses' which may imply severity without sufficient evidence. The article presents the issue from a concerned perspective but does not provide balanced viewpoints or alternative explanations.
Tempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 708/21/2026
The article reports that worsening haze conditions have led to the closure of hundreds of schools across Sarawak. The haze, likely caused by forest fires, has significantly impacted air quality, prompting authorities to take measures to protect students' health. The situation highlights ongoing environmental challenges in the region, particularly related to transboundary pollution. While the article focuses on the immediate impact on education, it does not delve into the broader causes or long-term implications of the haze.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the environmental issue affecting education without overtly taking a political stance. It does not emphasize any particular political agenda or frame the issue through a specific ideological lens. The focus remains on the environmental and educational impacts
Why factuality (65): Article mentions 'worsening haze' causing school closures in Sarawak but does not provide specific dates, locations, or sources for the claim. It aligns with cross-source consensus about haze impacting schools, but lacks detailed supporting evidence.
Why objectivity (70): Tone is neutral, focusing on the impact of haze on education without overt bias. However, the phrasing 'worsening haze' may imply a negative trend without providing comparative data.
Tempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 758/21/2026
The article highlights two main issues related to haze affecting Southeast Asia. The first concerns South Kalimantan, where haze has been reported, likely due to forest fires or agricultural burning. This issue impacts air quality and public health in the region. The second point discusses potential haze during the upcoming Formula 1 race in Singapore, raising concerns about visibility and safety for participants and spectators. These developments underscore ongoing environmental challenges in the area.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on environmental conditions without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political entity or ideology. It focuses on factual updates regarding haze, which is a natural phenomenon rather than a politically charged issue.
Why factuality (60): Article lists haze in South Kalimantan and mentions possible haze during the Singapore F1 race, but provides no specific details or sources. It reflects general consensus about haze issues but lacks depth.
Why objectivity (75): Presentation is balanced, simply listing multiple news items without commentary or emphasis on any particular story. Tone remains neutral throughout.
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