EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, PALANGKA RAYA — Kalimantan wildfires have worsened air quality and produced increasingly thick haze. This condition raises the risk of health problems, particularly respiratory illnesses.
Satellite monitoring shows that Kalimantan wildfires have burned 74,640.61 hectares. The resulting haze could also spread to neighboring countries.
The growing number of hotspots has raised concerns about smoke exposure. As of August 27, 2026, the Ministry of Health reported that air quality in Kalimantan had reached unhealthy levels. It has impacted more than five million people. Based on the Air Pollutant Standard Index (ISPU), conditions in several areas, including West Kalimantan, had even reached hazardous levels.
In response, One Muhammadiyah One Response (OMOR), through the Central Kalimantan Provincial Board Coordination Post, together with Lazismu and other Muhammadiyah institutions, has continued its emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Muhammadiyah volunteers are providing various services to affected communities. Muhammad Fitriani, chairperson of Central Kalimantan Lazismu, said the Coordination Post continues to collect data. At the same time, they will also ensure that humanitarian services are delivered through the Indonesia Siaga program.
Muhammadiyah Provides Oxygen House for Refugees
Besides assisting with firefighting and cooling operations, the post provides an Oxygen House, mobile oxygen services, field health care, mask distribution, nutritional support, and public education.
“The Oxygen House in Central Kalimantan operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at the Muhammadiyah Education Complex, RTA Milono Street KM 1.5, Palangka Raya,” Fitriani said on Monday (31/8).
The Muhammadiyah volunteers involved in the response come from various elements of the organization. They are from the Muhammadiyah itself, ‘Aisyiyah, and the autonomous organizations. Fitriani said 10 volunteers are assigned to firefighting, 60 to medical services, 30 to logistics, & 15 to the Coordination post.
According to the Muhammadiyah Oxygen Shelter service report, seven residents experiencing respiratory problems had received assistance as of August 30. By August 31, the number of beneficiaries served by Muhammadiyah Oxygen House had reached 53.
Voluntary Efforts from Central Kalimantan Muhammadiyah Provincial Board
Through its Indonesia Siaga program, Lazismu Central Kalimantan continues to support the disaster response to the wildfires. Humanitarian fundraising is also ongoing to expand the reach of services for affected communities.
Several urgent needs remain, including oxygen cylinders, N95 masks, medicines and vitamins, personal protective equipment for volunteers in the field, nutritional support for volunteers, and firefighting equipment.
Heru Setiawan, chairman of the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) of Central Kalimantan, said the Coordination Post is part of Muhammadiyah’s disaster response to the fires and operates through coordination among different elements of the organization.
“We are working to provide services that can be directly felt by both affected communities and volunteers in the field,” he said.
Meanwhile, Inayati Muharini, head of Muhammadiyah’s Central Kalimantan Coordination Post, said the post had been activated a week earlier and is scheduled to operate until Monday (Sept. 21, 2026).
“The operational period will be adjusted according to developments on the ground and the emergency response status set by the government,” Inayati said.
