In brief
Indonesia’s University of Indonesia Faculty of Medicine urged stronger fire‑prevention and comprehensive health monitoring after a haze crisis that endangers children and other at‑risk populations. The faculty’s dean, Anna Rozaliyani, highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary, science‑based approach, and the institute’s director said sustained action beyond emergency response is essential. A pediatric specialist warned that chronic smoke exposure can impair lung development and increase long‑term respiratory disease risk.
The University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Medicine has urged stronger fire‑prevention and health‑monitoring measures to protect children and other at‑risk groups from the harmful effects of forest‑and‑land fire haze, according to a statement released Saturday.
In a press statement, Dean Anna Rozaliyani said that human health must be central to efforts to protect the environment and address forest and land fires.
Forest and land fires are not just about smoke. They threaten health, safety and future generations. Preventing exposure, identifying risks early and providing follow‑up must be grounded in science and cross‑disciplinary cooperation.
IMERI director Bernie Endyarni Medise emphasized that protecting children from the health effects of forest‑fire smoke requires sustained action, not just emergency measures when haze becomes severe. A multidisciplinary approach is needed because smoke exposure affects people differently depending on individual characteristics, health conditions, exposure levels and environmental factors.
Pediatric respiratory specialist Nastiti Kaswandani of the Indonesian Pediatric Society warned that smoke exposure can cause more than acute respiratory problems. Children chronically exposed to smoke may face lasting impairment of lung development and higher risks of persistent asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stunted growth and cognitive problems.
Kaswandani explained that children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, their airways are narrower, and they breathe faster than adults. Their immune systems and body detoxification systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to fine particulate matter.
The Faculty of Medicine’s call comes amid ongoing concerns that repeated haze episodes can jeopardize long‑term health, especially for those whose lungs are still developing and for populations with pre‑existing health conditions.
