Enviro News Asia, Palangka Raya — The Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires (APHI) Central Kalimantan Chapter and the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) Central Kalimantan have opened a free oxygen shelter for residents affected by haze from forest and land fires in Palangka Raya.
The service provides residents with free access to oxygen support as smoke from forest and land fires continues to pose risks to communities. The initiative also reflects cooperation between the business sector and humanitarian organizations in responding to the impacts of disasters.
APHI Central Kalimantan Chairman Achwan said the oxygen shelter represents the business sector’s commitment to supporting communities affected by haze.
“Through this oxygen shelter, we want to help residents affected by haze access services free of charge. The business sector’s concern is also demonstrated through direct support for people who need assistance,” Achwan said in Palangka Raya on Sunday, September 13.
The shelter operates at the APHI Central Kalimantan Chapter Secretariat on Jalan Beruk Angis No. 16, Palangka Raya. Services are available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.
Achwan said the partnership with the Central Kalimantan LRB/MDMC is intended to strengthen community support through cross-organizational cooperation.
He emphasized that assistance for communities affected by forest and land fires must be accompanied by stronger prevention and fire-control efforts. APHI members, he said, should maintain preparedness and strengthen communication with government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local communities.
“The oxygen shelter is part of our joint contribution. We hope concern for affected communities will continue to grow alongside efforts to prevent and control forest and land fires,” he said.
Achwan also encouraged wider dissemination of information about the facility so that residents know its location, operating hours, and contact channel.
Residents seeking further information can contact 0856-5128-7979. Service information is also available through the Instagram accounts @aphi_komda_kalteng and @mdmckalteng.
Meanwhile, Central Kalimantan LRB/MDMC Chairman Heru Setiawan said the cooperation with APHI was a joint effort to expand access to assistance for residents affected by haze.
“The collaboration with APHI Central Kalimantan is part of our effort to expand access to services for communities affected by haze. We hope the oxygen shelter can assist residents who need support without placing a financial burden on them,” Heru said.
He said responding to the impacts of forest and land fires requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including businesses and humanitarian organizations. Providing facilities and disseminating information are important to ensure assistance reaches people who need it.
Heru welcomed APHI Central Kalimantan’s support for the oxygen shelter and called for continued cooperation to strengthen services for affected communities.
The free oxygen shelter is expected to expand access to assistance for residents affected by haze while strengthening cooperation between the business sector and humanitarian organizations in protecting communities in Central Kalimantan. (*)
