Indonesia deploys emergency oxygen shelters as wildfire haze sickens thousands

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 28, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Arief Rahman Septian Prathama

Indonesia has deployed mobile “oxygen buses” and established hundreds of emergency oxygen shelters as thick smoke from forest and peatland fires causes widespread respiratory illnesses.

Authorities and health agencies have set up 477 oxygen shelters across hospitals, public facilities and community health centers to assist residents experiencing breathing difficulties.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has recorded more than 277,000 cumulative cases of respiratory illnesses across seven affected provinces, highlighting the growing public health impact of the wildfire crisis.

More than 107,000 hectares were affected by fires between January and June 2026 alone, as Indonesia faced one of its most intense wildfire seasons in years.

The haze has also crossed national borders, affecting air quality in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. In West Kalimantan, local volunteers have organized door-to-door deliveries of oxygen tanks to help residents struggling with the polluted air.

Meanwhile, more than 60,000 personnel have reportedly been deployed for firefighting and related operations. Authorities have also explored measures such as dropping dry ice to encourage rainfall and help suppress underground peat fires.

While oxygen shelters provide immediate assistance to people experiencing respiratory distress, preventing further fires remains a major challenge. The crisis highlights the far-reaching health and environmental consequences of wildfires, with smoke affecting communities across Indonesia and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia.