Child Dies Amidst Haze in Puruk Cahu, Health Concerns Grow

The haze from forest and land fires (karhutla) that has enveloped Puruk Cahu City, Murung Raya Regency, Central Kalimantan, is beginning to cause public health concerns. An 11-year-old boy died on Monday (31/8/2026) after his health condition deteriorated and he was treated at RSUD Puruk Cahu. The victim reportedly began experiencing shortness of breath before receiving treatment at the hospital on Friday (28/8/2026). During this period, the Puruk Cahu area was also blanketed by thick haze. However, the Murung Raya Health Office (Dinkes) has stated that the victim's death cannot be directly linked to smoke exposure or Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA). This is because the victim also had a history of other pre-existing conditions. "The child did experience shortness of breath, but it wasn't solely due to smoke and ISPA that led to his death. However, the child also suffered from another illness, a kidney abnormality," said Head of Dinkes Murung Raya, Suwirman Hutagalung, on Wednesday (2/9/2026). Local residents reported that the victim's condition worsened when the haze became dense in the city. Lulus Sriyati, a neighbor from Gang Arjuna, stated that according to the family, the child had a history of asthma since the age of two and it had worsened since the onset of the haze in Puruk Cahu. The victim's family had even planned to take the child to a hospital in Banjarmasin for further treatment. However, this plan could not be realized as the child passed away on Monday morning. Over 700 Residents Complain of ISPA Symptoms Middst the lingering haze, public health issues remain a serious concern. Dinkes Murung Raya has recorded over 700 residents reporting symptoms identified as ISPA, based on data collected from individuals receiving services at various health facilities. Despite the significant number, Suwirman noted that most cases handled have been mild. "Fortunately, so far, the community has only experienced mild ISPA that can be treated with medication," he said. To anticipate an increase in health disturbances due to deteriorating air quality, Dinkes Murung Raya has activated health posts integrated with the Karhutla Task Force Post. These posts are equipped with medicines, masks, and oxygen. This service is available not only for the general public but also for officers and volunteers working to combat the fires. "Please come to the Karhutla Task Force Post if you need first aid. For officers and volunteers on duty, we have also deployed health teams to accompany them if they experience the effects of the haze," explained Suwirman. In addition to health posts, Dinkes has also prepared an Oxygen House at the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) office in Murung Raya, located directly opposite RSUD Puruk Cahu. This facility is intended as a place for initial assistance for the public, officers, and volunteers experiencing respiratory distress or shortness of breath. "The purpose of providing this oxygen house is as a first aid measure if any community members, officers, or volunteers experience shortness of breath," he emphasized. Dinkes Murung Raya urges the public not to ignore respiratory problems while the haze blankets the area. Residents experiencing shortness of breath or other health complaints are advised to immediately seek assistance from available health facilities or the designated posts.