Environment & Climate

Wildfire haze in Indonesia triggers thousands of respiratory illnesses, health ministry reports

BBC News reports that around 175,000 respiratory illness cases have emerged since August as wildfires burn across Indonesia.

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 06:29 UTC1 reports

The short version

Indonesia's health ministry reported that approximately 175,000 individuals have suffered respiratory problems since August amid widespread wildfires.[BBC News]
Over 40,000 of the recorded patients are toddlers suffering from illnesses ranging from coughs to bronchitis and pneumonia.[BBC News]
More than 54,000 officials and water-bombing aircraft have been deployed across Borneo and Sumatra, where at least 895,657 hectares have burned since January.[BBC News]
Civil society and indigenous organizations have filed a class action lawsuit against government authorities alleging deliberate negligence.[BBC News]

The Indonesian health ministry reported that roughly 175,000 people have developed respiratory illnesses since August.[BBC News]
Over 40,000 of the respiratory illness cases involve toddlers suffering from conditions including pneumonia and bronchitis.[BBC News]
At least 895,657 hectares of land have been scorched by fires since January.[BBC News]
The independent monitor Nusantara Atlas detected approximately 734,000 fire hotspots across Indonesia as of Wednesday.[BBC News]
More than 54,000 personnel and dozens of aircraft have been dispatched to Borneo and Sumatra for water bombing.[BBC News]
Civil society and indigenous coalitions in West Kalimantan launched a class action lawsuit accusing the government of deliberate negligence.[BBC News]

The timeline for containing the fires remains uncertain due to vast territory and difficult peatland conditions.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.