Indonesia's East Kalimantan sees rise in respiratory infections as haze worsens

Indonesian soldiers, together with members of Manggala Agni, worked to extinguish a forest and land fire in the Liang Anggang Protected Forest in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Wednesday (Sept. 2, 2026). ANTARAFOTO

TokoKata, Sept 3 — Cases of acute respiratory infections have begun to rise in Indonesia's East Kalimantan province as air quality deteriorates amid haze from forest and land fires, the provincial health office said on Thursday (3/9/2026).

East Kalimantan recorded about 9,499 cases of acute respiratory infection, known locally as ISPA, through the 34th week of 2026, according to provincial health chief Jaya Mualimin.

The figure was higher than at the start of the year.

"There has indeed been an increase in cases, but compared with January, February and March, the increase is small. Around 9,499 cases," Jaya said.

Cases had declined around the middle of the year before rising again as the dry season intensified and the number of fire hotspots increased, he said.

The province has also been affected by smoke drifting from fires in other parts of Kalimantan, including West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.

"We also have not had rain, so this condition is one of our concerns, especially in West Kutai," Jaya said.

Air quality conditions were most concerning in West Kutai and Berau, followed by Kutai Kartanegara, he said.

The Air Pollution Standard Index, or ISPU, in West Kutai had reached 318 micrograms per cubic metre in recent days, a level classified as hazardous, Jaya said. Although the reading had subsequently fallen, air quality remained at a very unhealthy level.

Health officials, together with a crisis team from the Health Ministry and other agencies, were monitoring conditions in West Kutai, where respiratory infections were also increasing.

"Today, the crisis team from the Health Ministry, the Samarinda PKK and our team are also going there again to monitor the situation in West Kutai. ISPA cases there have also increased," Jaya said.

Balikpapan records highest number of cases

Data from the East Kalimantan health office through August showed that Balikpapan had the highest number of reported ISPA cases in the province, at 66,468.

Samarinda followed with 48,230 cases, while Kutai Kartanegara recorded 29,453, Paser 22,284 and East Kutai 22,032.

Berau recorded 20,549 cases, North Penajam Paser 10,386, Bontang 7,670 and Mahakam Ulu 1,482.

Jaya cautioned that the number of cases should be considered alongside the population size of each district or city, since more populous areas are likely to record higher absolute case numbers.

Health officials have urged residents to monitor air quality through the government's ISPU Net system, particularly when smoke becomes heavier and rainfall remains limited.

Poor air quality can increase the risk of respiratory infections as well as other health problems, including diarrhoea and allergic reactions or itching caused by dust, Jaya said.

The risk of diarrhoeal illness is particularly important in areas with limited access to clean water. Poor environmental conditions and increased exposure to rats could also raise the risk of diseases such as leptospirosis.

Rats can carry Leptospira bacteria in their urine, which can contaminate water and the surrounding environment. The bacteria can enter the human body when hygiene is inadequate.

Residents were therefore advised to wash their hands with soap before eating and maintain food hygiene.

Leptospirosis can cause symptoms including fever, chills and digestive problems, while exposure to dust can worsen allergies and itching, Jaya said.

Most ISPA cases are expected to resolve within about a week because they are generally caused by viruses, he said.

However, people who develop a fever alongside respiratory infection symptoms should seek medical attention at a community health centre, or Puskesmas, to determine their condition and receive appropriate treatment.