IDAI: 8 Steps to Protect Children from Karhutla Smoke
Forest and land fire (karhutla) smoke can worsen quickly and harm children's respiratory health. The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) urges parents to stay alert and has issued 8 recommendations to protect children from karhutla smoke.
IDAI's central board chairman, Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, voiced concern over karhutla's impact on children's health. "Karhutla is not just an environmental disaster, but also a child health emergency and a threat to vulnerable groups," he said. Karhutla smoke contains fine PM2.5 particles that are highly dangerous to children's airways.
Why Children Are Most Vulnerable
Why are children most vulnerable? According to IDAI's Respirology Working Unit chair, Dr. Wahyuni Indawati, PM2.5 from forest fire smoke can be up to 10 times more hazardous to children's breathing than PM2.5 from other sources, because its chemical composition has higher oxidation and pro-inflammatory potential. The greatest impact falls on children under 5.
Children breathe more air relative to their body weight, while their respiratory and immune systems are still developing. Karhutla smoke not only triggers respiratory infections but can also worsen asthma, bronchiectasis, and other chronic lung diseases.
IDAI's 8 Recommendations for Parents
IDAI's Respirology Working Unit recommends eight preventive steps: (1) monitor air quality (AQI or ISPU) routinely; (2) prepare a clean room at home with few windows and doors, using a non-ozone portable air purifier if available; (3) close doors and windows, and set air conditioners not to draw outside air; (4) avoid indoor pollution sources such as cigarettes, stoves, candles, and aerosol sprays; (5) limit outdoor physical activity; (6) use masks for children aged 2 and above and goggles when going out; (7) keep routine medicines on hand for children with asthma or allergies; (8) seek medical help promptly if a child has trouble breathing, is very drowsy, or refuses to eat and drink.
School Rules and When to See a Doctor
Child protection during karhutla also covers school activities. Learning modes are set by regional governments based on the daily ISPU air-quality reading, monitored at least twice a day. At ISPU 101–200 (unhealthy), in-person classes are restricted and children study from home; at ISPU 201–300 (very unhealthy) or above 300 (hazardous), all students switch to remote learning.
Health Ministry data recorded 113,336 ARI cases from karhutla as of September 9, 2026 in seven affected provinces, including 26,545 among toddlers. IDAI stresses: do not hesitate to take children to the nearest health facility if shortness of breath, prolonged coughing, or decreased consciousness appears.
