Palembang hands out 16,500 masks as AQI hits 195
Health officials logged 9,313 acute respiratory infection cases from Aug. 1-21, with masks prioritized for outdoor workers and vulnerable groups.
The Palembang city government distributed 16,500 free masks to curb the impact of haze from forest and land fires in South Sumatra, after the city’s air quality was classified as unhealthy. On Monday, Palembang’s AQI stood at 195, sharply higher than 115 a day earlier. Mayor Ratu Dewa said the mask distribution was concentrated at busy intersections such as Simpang Empat RS Charitas, Simpang Lima DPRD Sumsel and the Flyover Polda Sumsel area, and was also channelled through 18 districts. Masks were prioritized for residents who work outdoors and for vulnerable groups. The Palembang city Health Office also recorded 9,313 acute respiratory infection cases from Aug. 1-21, 2026. The city administration asked community health centers and health facilities to remain on alert for breathing problems caused by the smoke.