Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) – South Kalimantan Governor H. Muhidin urged residents in the areas affected by forest and land fires to wear masks to protect themselves from smoke.
“If masks are distributed, please take them and wear them,” Muhidin said in a statement received in Banjarbaru on Monday.
Muhidin said protecting public health was an important action, as smoke continued to spread from several forest and land fire hotspots.
Residents near the fires are particularly vulnerable to health problems caused by prolonged exposure to smoke, he said.
Muhidin also urged the residents with health complaints, especially symptoms of acute respiratory infections, to seek care at health facilities prepared in affected areas.
“There are health services in Guntung Damar and Pengayuan. If you have an acute respiratory infection or any other problem, get examined immediately,” he said.
Related news: Indonesia urges neighbours to avoid blame over Kalimantan fires
He also stressed that responding to forest and land fires involves not only extinguishing flames, but also protecting people living near affected areas. He urged residents not to ignore the air quality notice when smoke appears and to remain attentive to their health.
Masks distributed to the residents were one of the measures in an attempt to reduce smoke exposure, he said. Residents who receive the masks should wear them when the air quality requires protection.
Muhidin also asked several health services in affected areas to remain ready treating the residents suffering health problems caused by the smoke from forest and land fires.
He said public awareness of health protection should complement government and other stakeholders’ efforts to tackle forest and land fires in South Kalimantan.
Related news: Indonesia says 3 million exposed to wildfire smoke, urges masks
Related news: Nabire Airport cancels two Flights as wildfire smoke cuts visibility
Translator: Imam H, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026