ISPU 1,247, Air Quality in Hazardous Category

Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan, was blanketed in thick haze caused by forest and land fires (karhutla) on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Data from the Palangka Raya City Karhutla Dashboard reported at 11:00 WIB showed the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) reaching 1,247, meaning air quality was in the hazardous category.

At the provincial level, Central Kalimantan's ISPU even reached 1,533 at 08.00 WIB on the same day. These figures indicate that the air breathed by residents has far exceeded safe limits and poses a health risk, especially if exposure occurs repeatedly.

Visibility Below 100 Meters

Smoke haze blanketed several areas of the city, including Jalan Yos Sudarso, Bundaran Besar, and Jalan Tjilik Riwut, with visibility in some locations estimated at less than 100 meters. On Jalan RTA Milono, motorists continued to pass through the thick smoke on Saturday afternoon, with views toward buildings and vehicles in the distance severely limited.

A similar impact occurred along the southern axis of the Trans Kalimantan route, from Pulang Pisau Regency to Palangka Raya City, spanning approximately fifty kilometers. Thick yellowish smoke drastically reduced drivers' visibility to below one hundred meters, forcing drivers to slow down their vehicles for safety.

Dry Peat and Land Burning as Triggers

This condition is exacerbated by the vast spread of peatland in the region. Peatland that dries out during the dry season is highly flammable and difficult to extinguish, as fire can spread below the ground surface to a depth of several meters.

Fires on peatlands produce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that is far more concentrated and toxic than fires on ordinary mineral soil. In addition to extreme weather and prolonged drought, uncontrolled land-clearing by burning often triggers the emergence of new hotspots.

Residents Urged to Limit Outdoor Activities

Residents complained of shortness of breath when active outside the home, and motorists said they had to be far more careful because air conditions were not as usual. The highest health risks threaten children, the elderly, and residents with respiratory problems.

Residents are urged to increase vigilance, limit outdoor activities while air quality remains in the hazardous category, and reduce physical activities that can increase exposure to pollutants. On the other hand, the prolonged haze is also hitting residents' economy, from disrupted daily activities to reduced movement in urban areas.