The breath of South Sumatra residents is now under serious threat as cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) rise amidst thick haze. The haze, caused by forest and land fires, not only reduces visibility but also has a direct impact on public health.
According to Group 2, Class B of the Philosophy and Logic course at the Environmental Health Study Program, Sriwijaya University, the haze should not be considered a normal condition that inevitably occurs every dry season. This recurring phenomenon must be viewed as both an environmental issue and a public health threat that requires serious handling.
The impact is evident in the rising number of ARI cases in South Sumatra. Based on data from the South Sumatra Provincial Health Office, as reported by detikSumbagsel, from August 30 to September 19, 2026, there were 29,969 ARI cases. The breakdown is 9,823 cases from August 30–September 5, 10,126 cases from September 6–12, and 10,020 cases from September 13–19, 2026.
The South Sumatra Health Office identified the haze from forest and land fires as a contributing factor to the increase in respiratory disorders. The rise in cases has been visible since late August 2026.
A report by Bisnis.com stated that ARI cases in South Sumatra rose to 6,123 during the August 23–29 period, followed by 6,148 cases recorded from August 30–September 5, 2026.
A similar situation is occurring in Palembang. Data from the Palembang City Health Office, cited by ANTARA, shows that weekly ARI cases increased from 3,807 in the fourth week of August to 4,104 in the first week of September. That figure rose again to 4,326 cases in the second week of September 2026.
The increase in cases occurred while several regions in South Sumatra were exposed to haze from forest and land fires.
These figures are more than just statistics. Behind the rise in ARI cases lies a real threat to public health. Smoke from forest and land fires can contain fine PM2.5 particles, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and various organic compounds that are harmful to the body.
PM2.5 refers to particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers. Because of their tiny size, these particles can be inhaled and reach the deepest parts of the lungs.
Exposure to smoke can also cause stinging and red eyes, as well as various respiratory problems. ARI symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and a sore throat can develop into more serious health issues, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Smoke exposure also has the potential to trigger asthma attacks and worsen the condition of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Groups at higher risk from the effects of haze include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.
According to Group 2, Class B, clean air is a fundamental right of the public, not a luxury facility that can only be enjoyed under certain conditions. The surge in ARI cases is a sign that public health protection amidst the threat of haze still needs to be strengthened.
In children, continuous exposure to smoke cannot be viewed merely as a cause of coughing or a runny nose. If it persists for a long time, this condition has the potential to disrupt lung health and function, and may affect their growth and development.
The impact can also extend to the education sector if air quality worsens to the point where school activities must be limited or temporarily suspended. In the long term, this condition could pose a threat to the health of South Sumatra's younger generation.
The increase in respiratory disorders also adds to the burden on healthcare services. Therefore, handling forest and land fires should not be done only after the haze has blanketed residential areas. Prevention must be carried out at the source so that fires do not spread and produce even thicker smoke.
At the same time, the public also needs to receive clear information regarding self-protection measures while air quality is poor.
The South Sumatra Health Office urges the public to wear masks when outdoors, reduce outdoor activities, and immediately visit a healthcare facility if they experience symptoms such as severe coughing or shortness of breath.
Steps for preventing forest and land fires and protecting public health must go hand in hand. Fire prevention without health education is not enough, while addressing health impacts without controlling the source of the smoke will only cause the problem to recur.
Group 2, Class B argues that haze is not just an environmental issue, but has become a public health issue. As long as forest and land fires are considered an annual routine that can be tolerated, the public will continue to face the risk of respiratory disorders and various other health impacts.
It is time for haze to be viewed as a serious threat that requires sustainable prevention, monitoring, and health protection. Clean air is not just a seasonal necessity, but a public right that must be protected at all times.
Bibliography
ANTARA. (2026). Ministry of Health: 3 million people directly exposed to forest fire smoke. AFU.id. https://afu.id/nasional/kemenkes-3-juta-orang-terpapar-langsung-asap-karhutla
Herlinda. (2026, July 31). Beware of health impacts from haze. RRI.co.id. https://rri.co.id/sintang/kesehatan/2614020/waspada-dampak-kesehatan-akibat-kabut-asap
JawaPos. (2026, August 28). Due to forest fires, ARI cases rise to 165,747 in West Kalimantan. JawaPos.com. https://www.jawapos.com/kesehatan/2608280250/gara-gara-karhutla-ispa-naik-hingga-165747-kasus-di-kalbar
Okezone. (2026, August 27). 5 diseases caused by forest fire haze. News+ RCTI+. https://www.rctiplus.com/news/detail/gaya-hidup/5460496/5-penyakit-imbas-kabut-asap-karhutla
Pahlevi, A. R. (2026, September 29). ARI cases in South Sumatra exceed 10 thousand per week. detikSumbagsel. https://www.detik.com/sumbagsel/berita/d-8683811/kasus-ispa-di-sumsel-tembus-10-ribu-kasus-per-pekan
Puspita, H. I. (2026, September 4). South Sumatra ARI cases surge in late August, reaching 6,123. Bisnis.com. https://sumatra.bisnis.com/read/20260904/533/2001451/kasus-ispa-sumsel-melonjak-pada-akhir-agustus-capai-6123-kasus
Rizkita, I. (2026, July 28). Impact of haze, Tuan Besar Syarif Idrus Regional Hospital records surge in ARI patients. RRI.co.id. https://rri.co.id/pontianak/kesehatan/2606636/dampak-kabut-asap-rsud-tuan-besar-syarif-idrus-catat-lonjakan-pasien-ispa
Wahyudi, N. (2026, September 15). ARI cases in Palembang increase due to forest fire haze exposure. ANTARA News. https://m.antaranews.com/foto/5741997/kasus-ispa-di-palembang-meningkat-akibat-terpapar-kabut-asap-karhutla
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