Enviro News Asia, Palangka Raya — The Indonesian Forest Concessionaires Association (APHI) and the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) have opened a free oxygen shelter in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, to help residents affected by smoke from forest and land fires.
The Rumah Singgah Oksigen, or Oxygen Shelter, operates at the APHI Central Kalimantan office on Jalan Beruk Angis No. 16. Residents can access the service daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time without charge.
The initiative responds to continuing concerns over deteriorating air conditions caused by forest and land fires in and around Palangka Raya. The facility provides oxygen assistance for residents experiencing the effects of smoke exposure.
Achwan, chairman of the APHI Central Kalimantan chapter, said the service represents a social response to the impact of fires on local communities.
“This is a social action to help people affected by smoke from forest and land fires. We hope the Oxygen Shelter will provide practical assistance, particularly for residents who need oxygen services,” Achwan said.
He stressed that the effects of forest and land fires do not end when firefighters extinguish the flames. Deteriorating air quality can continue to affect communities and requires attention from multiple stakeholders.
APHI therefore partnered with the Central Kalimantan chapter of Lembaga Resiliensi Bencana (LRB/MDMC), the disaster resilience institution under the Muhammadiyah regional leadership, to provide a service that residents can access directly.
Heru Setiawan, chairman of LRB/MDMC Central Kalimantan, said disaster response should also address the consequences faced by communities after a disaster occurs.
“Disaster response does not only take place during a fire. It must also help communities deal with its impacts. The Oxygen Shelter is one of our efforts to provide protection and services for residents,” Heru said.
The two organizations expect the service to continue supporting residents as long as smoke from forest and land fires continues to affect Palangka Raya.
The initiative also underscores the broader impact of forest and land fires, which extends beyond fire suppression to public health and community resilience. Cooperation between businesses, civil society organizations and local communities can help strengthen immediate support during periods of poor air quality. (*)
