Praying for rain as fires, haze plague Indonesian Borneo

Indonesian Borneo is grappling with devastating wildfires and choking haze, causing widespread health issues and educational disruptions across Malaysia and Indonesia. Drought-related El Nino weather conditions are exacerbating the crisis, highlighting the need for immediate action. Three community leaders from West Kalimantan province provide insight into the challenges faced by their residents.

Syarifah Hatifah, a 57-year-old teacher, is concerned about her nearly 600 students potentially falling behind due to school closures. With over 200,000 pupils now learning from home, many lack stable internet or electricity, making remote learning difficult. School staff are forced to teach without air purifiers, exposing students to the toxic haze. Syarifah hopes for rain to clear the air, which typically follows after the wet season starts.

Iwansyah, head of Kubu Raya regency's health agency, reports over 1,400 acute respiratory infections since September, up from 6,396 in August. The agency has requested more masks and is urging locals to purchase their own. Diarrhea cases linked to water scarcity have risen to 225 this month. With little rainfall expected before November, Iwansyah warns of a potentially severe situation and emphasizes the need for increased medical supplies and water quality monitoring.

Yonas, deputy head of Lintang Batang hamlet, relies on firefighting equipment and volunteer efforts to combat the fires. The hamlet has pooled resources to purchase equipment, but still lacks sufficient hoses. Smoke poses a significant health risk to vulnerable residents, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and asthma sufferers. Scientific data shows the toxic levels of small particle pollution in the haze far exceed WHO recommendations. Yonas stresses the urgency of addressing the crisis before it worsens.