REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PENAJAM — Penajam Paser Utara Regency in East Kalimantan, a new prospective capital city of Indonesia was shrouded thin haze on Tuesday (Sept 17). In the morning, thin haze was covered a number of areas, which caused from widespread forest and land fires in the region around.
In order to prevent the land fires, local government has formed a joint team, which consisted by Indonesian Miliatry and National Police personnel, also related agencies, as well as community organizations.
“The morning air quality in Penajam Paser Utara has decreased due to haze,” said head of Public Health Service in Penajam Paser Utara, Syarifah Asmawati.
The local Health Service urged people in Penajam Paser Utara to wear masks when they have activities outside home. In addition, to anticipate acute respiratory infections (ISPA), at least 5.000 masks have been distributed to the community.
“The mask is necessary to prevent ISPA in this haze condition and we have distributed it through every community health centre (puskesmas) here,” Syarifah explained.
Furthermore, local government suggested people to reduce activities outside home temporarily. They are also advised to implement healthy life.