By Fatma Younis
Indonesia has launched mobile oxygen buses in the Central Kalimantan city of Palangka Raya to provide immediate relief to residents suffering from respiratory distress caused by severe forest fire haze. The white-and-blue buses, equipped with oxygen tanks and staffed by healthcare professionals, allow people to receive oxygen through a small tube for five to ten minutes at a time.
Worst fire season in 11 years
This year's wildfire season, intensified by El Niño conditions, is the most severe in nearly 11 years. Fires burning predominantly on Sumatra and Borneo have pushed Indonesia's air pollution index above 1,000 in parts of Borneo and Sumatra — more than four times the 300 threshold classified as hazardous. The haze has also degraded air quality in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia.
Surge in respiratory illnesses
Health authorities report approximately 350,000 haze-related respiratory cases nationwide from August through October 25, with Central Kalimantan alone recording about 31,000 cases as of last week. The provincial health department said at least 127 patients have used the free oxygen bus service since its launch, and an "oxygen house" has also been established for residents and frontline firefighters.
Protests demand emergency declaration
Thousands of protesters took to the streets last week demanding the government declare a state of emergency, which would unlock funds and cover medical expenses for affected citizens. President Prabowo Subianto has so far resisted such a declaration, drawing criticism domestically and abroad. "In Indonesia, we're so angry. We want the officials responsible to be held accountable," said Vincent Thomas, a student at Universitas Padjadjaran.
Regional cooperation efforts
Indonesia and Singapore agreed on Tuesday to establish a joint task force to address transboundary haze, their foreign ministers said during a meeting aimed at easing weeks of tension. Singapore has issued legal notices to seven Indonesian companies it holds responsible for the fires, while its environment minister, Grace Fu, warned that air quality in Singapore could deteriorate further.
