Indonesia deploys oxygen bus amid wildfire haze

Climate · First reported 27 Oct, 06:18 · Updated 07:53

An oxygen-equipped bus in Palangka Raya is offering short oxygen sessions as wildfire haze and respiratory illness affect residents. Indonesia’s health ministry reported about 350,000 fire-linked respiratory illness cases nationwide from August to October 25, 2026.

Palangka Raya’s local government deployed a bus with oxygen tanks and medical staff, offering residents oxygen for five to 10 minutes at a time.
The provincial health department said the service is intended for people with respiratory problems or needing oxygen support amid unhealthy air quality.
Indonesia’s health ministry reported about 350,000 respiratory illness cases linked to the fires from August through October 25; Central Kalimantan reported about 31,000 by that date.
Some areas of Borneo and Sumatra recorded air pollution index readings above 1,000, while readings of 300 or more are categorised as hazardous.
Hundreds of students protested at the provincial governor’s office the previous week, calling for a stronger response to the fires, according to local news website Kompas.

Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles

Key facts

Location: Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Oxygen sessions: Five to 10 minutes at a time
Indonesia respiratory illness cases: About 350,000 from August to October 25, 2026
Central Kalimantan respiratory illness cases: About 31,000 as of October 25, 2026
Air pollution index: Some areas of Borneo and Sumatra exceeded 1,000; readings of 300 or more are categorised as hazardous