Forest-fire haze makes Jambi air hazardous, 17,434 ARI cases in Palembang
Visibility in Palembang fell to 20 meters, and four flights at SMB II Airport were delayed.
Haze from forest and land fires on Saturday (10/10/2026) worsened air quality in several areas of Sumatra. Air quality index data from the Ministry of Environment showed air in Jambi city, Muaro Jambi Regency and Tebo Regency fell into the hazardous category. In Palembang, the haze grew thicker, cutting visibility to around 20 meters and triggering complaints of stinging eyes, a dry throat and breathing problems. The Palembang city health office recorded 17,434 ARI cases during September, driven by the fires. The impact also spread to transportation: four flights at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport on Friday (9/10) were delayed because visibility was below the 400-meter minimum standard.