Hazardous Air Pollution Hits Palangkaraya as Wildfire Smoke Chokes Central Kalimantan

Air quality in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, deteriorated sharply on September 16 as wildfire smoke blanketed the region.

IQAir data showed pollution levels reaching the Hazardous category, with extremely high PM2.5 concentrations. One daytime update recorded a US AQI+ of around 660, while social media reports claimed even higher readings were briefly observed earlier.

Indonesia is currently facing its worst wildfire season in more than a decade, with thick haze affecting parts of Borneo and Sumatra and contributing to a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses.

Residents in affected areas are being urged to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, use air filtration where possible, and wear effective particulate masks when going outside.