Wildfires have destroyed approximately 1.9 million hectares of land across Indonesia since the beginning of this year. One million hectares of land burned during the month of September alone.
Toxic haze from the blazes has drifted as far as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. Indonesia's Health Ministry recorded more than 277,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and chronic coughs by mid-October.
More than 62,000 of these respiratory illnesses affected infants and toddlers under the age of five. Dianyra Eka Nastiti said, "Sometimes at night my baby's chest makes a rattling sound."
Natari Victoria stated that the forest fires have had a huge impact, especially on everyone's health. Riduan noted that the sky has turned yellow and hazy in Palangkaraya, particularly in Central Kalimantan.
Riduan explained that residents are breathing in carbon dioxide and pollutants instead of fresh oxygen, which prevents the brain from receiving enough oxygen. Nastiti also mentioned she still needs to buy vegetables, stock up on food, purchase school supplies, and take care of other necessities.
Lola Macitri resides in the rural village of Ramang, located 50km north of Palangkaraya. The Indonesian government deployed more than 60,000 personnel to carry out a "land operation" last week.
Officials from the Indonesian government claimed an 80% success rate in extinguishing new fires. Dr Nisa Novita said, "At this point, I think we need to use every safe and effective option available to suppress the fires."
Juni has been fighting wildfires for more than 100 days. A so-called Super El Nino has amplified drought conditions and delayed rainfall.
Riduan said, "hopefully, with all the extraordinary efforts from the community, the military, and the police working together, the fires can be put out." Riduan noted, "However, as of right now, the fires are still burning."
Riduan concluded, "Our greatest hope is that Almighty God will bring us rain soon."
