Over 75,000 Indonesian toddlers suffering from acute respiratory infections brought on by haze

Indonesia's forest fires and resulting haze have caused thousands of cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in its populace.

Of the cases recorded so far, 75,712 toddlers are suffering from the condition, reported Kompas on Oct. 23.

The data was published by Indonesia's Ministry of Health, which categorised toddlers as children under the age of five.

The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has urged the Indonesian government to protect children from the haze, as they are one of the most vulnerable yet unheard groups affected.

"They cannot protect themselves; it is our duty as adults and the state to ensure they are safe," said IDAI head Piprim Basarah Yanuarso in a statement to Kompas.

IDAI stressed to parents to bring their children to seek medical attention immediately if signs of a medical emergency appear: severe shortness of breath, retraction of the chest wall, cyanosis, reduced consciousness, or an inability to drink.

Cyanosis is when the skin appears blue-ish due to poor circulation or insufficient oxygen in the blood.

Piprim said that children should be protected before symptoms surface, and told parents to evacuate if the environment is no longer safe.

As of Oct. 21 2026, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has recorded 333,470 cases of ARI in haze-affected areas, with huge spikes in ARI cases corresponding directly with the density of haze pollutants.

Related stories