Karhutla Expands, Air Quality In Pontianak Is Getting Worse

Illustration of people doing activities in a blanket of smog in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA)

Pontianak City has been shrouded in smog in the last few days, as a result of the forest and land fires (Karhutla) that occurred in Kubu Raya Regency.

West Kalimantan BPBD recorded 114 hotspots or forest and land fires in Kubu Raya in line with the hot weather that has occurred again since late August.

The incidence of smog in Pontianak is volatile. This condition occurs at certain times and locations with various factors, such as wind direction and humidity.

Based on data from the Net Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) application, Monday morning, the concentration figure of PM 2.5 particulates in Pontianak reached 139 micrograms per cubic meter.

This figure shows that the air quality in Pontianak is categorized as unhealthy. Such air quality can be detrimental to exposed humans, animals and plants.

The public is asked to be aware of air pollution due to smog, especially against the threat of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI).

Meanwhile, the Pontianak city government (Pemkot) itself has not provided further directions regarding the smog that threatens health, especially for children. People are also still active normally.