‘It smells like charred earth’: BBC at Indonesia fire epicentre causing Singapore and Malaysia haze crisis

As thick haze from forest and land fires continues to choke Palangka Raya, one of the worst-hit cities in Central Kalimantan, residents have been seeking refuge inside “clean air shelters” set up by local volunteers.

The RAKAT coalition, a network of civil society groups, has been running two such shelters since August, offering facilities including air purifiers, oxygen, nebulisers and basic medicines. The shelters are open daily in the evenings.

Coordinator Agung Sesa said the initiative was launched to support residents affected by the worsening haze, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and older people.

The shelters receive around 10 to 15 visitors a day, many seeking help for breathing difficulties, persistent coughs and eye irritation.

“Most complaints involve shortness of breath, coughing and sore eyes,” Agung said, adding that some visitors have required urgent treatment for respiratory conditions. Volunteers are seeking donations of medicines, vitamins, milk and oxygen supplies.