By Islam El-Sakka
Indonesia has launched mobile "oxygen buses" in the Central Kalimantan city of Palangka Raya to provide free oxygen to residents suffering from respiratory illnesses caused by severe haze from forest fires. The initiative comes as the country faces its most intense wildfire season in nearly 11 years, fueled by El Niño conditions.
Hazardous Air Quality and Health Impact
Air pollution indexes have exceeded 1,000 in parts of Borneo and Sumatra, more than four times the hazardous threshold of 300. The health ministry reported about 350,000 respiratory illness cases from August to October 25, with Central Kalimantan alone recording roughly 31,000 cases as of last week. The haze has also degraded air quality in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia.
Oxygen Bus Service Details
The white-and-blue buses are equipped with oxygen tanks and staffed by healthcare professionals. Residents can receive oxygen through a small tube for 5 to 10 minutes per session. The provincial health department said at least 127 patients had used the service by Wednesday, and an "oxygen house" has also been set up for residents and frontline firefighters.
Protests and Government Response
Thousands of protesters have demanded an emergency declaration to unlock funds for medical expenses, but President Prabowo Subianto has so far resisted. Students and activists have criticized officials for accountability over the fires.
Regional Cooperation with Singapore
Indonesia and Singapore agreed to establish a joint task force to address the transboundary haze. Singapore has issued legal notices to seven Indonesian companies it blames for the fires, and its environment minister warned that air quality could worsen.
