PALEMBANG, Indonesia — Thick haze from forest and land fires has blanketed parts of Sumatra, forcing schools to close and leaving outdoor workers struggling to make a living. In Palembang, 60-year-old rickshaw driver Kholidi pedals for hours through the smog in search of passengers, but the schools and markets where he usually finds fares are empty.
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reported that the haze is caused by peatland and forest fires, a recurring problem during the dry season. The fires are often started to clear land for agriculture, and dry conditions allow them to spread. The resulting smoke contains fine particulate matter that can cause respiratory infections, heart disease, and other health problems.
Local authorities have responded by closing schools and distributing masks, but many workers who depend on daily outdoor labor cannot afford to stay home. Kholidi told CNA that he has no choice but to keep working. "I can only wait and hope," he said, adding that his income has dropped sharply.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to haze can have serious long-term effects, especially for children and the elderly. The government has urged residents to stay indoors and use air purifiers, but such measures are out of reach for many in low-income communities.
As the dry season continues, officials are monitoring the situation and may declare a state of emergency if air quality worsens. For now, workers like Kholidi continue to toil in unhealthy air, hoping for rain to clear the skies.
