Help Protect Communities Affected by Forest Fires and Toxic Haze

Forest and land fires are spreading across Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, creating dangerous haze and threatening the health and wellbeing of thousands of families. During the critical period of 17-20 August 2026, fires and smoke affected five provinces: West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and North Kalimantan.

The situation has escalated rapidly, with hundreds of hotspots detected and thousands of hectares of land burned. Thick haze has reduced visibility, disrupted transportation and education, and exposed communities to serious respiratory health risks.

The affected areas are illustrated in Human Initiative’s situation report.

 

 

The Human Impact

As air quality deteriorates, vulnerable groups face the greatest danger, including:

  • Children
  • Older persons
  • Pregnant women
  • People with disabilities
  • Individuals with respiratory illnesses

Communities are experiencing increasing respiratory health problems, disruptions to daily life, reduced access to safe environments, and growing economic pressures as the fires continue. More than 2,000 cases of acute respiratory infections have already been reported in affected areas.

 

 

Human Initiative’s Emergency Response

Human Initiative is working alongside local volunteers, community leaders, and relevant authorities to support affected communities through:

  • Rapid needs assessments
  • Coordination with local stakeholders and volunteers
  • Distribution of protective masks
  • Health education and awareness programs
  • Community-based emergency response activities

 

 

What Your Donation Will Support

Your support will help Human Initiative:

✅ Expand the distribution of masks and protective equipment

✅ Provide mobile health services for vulnerable populations

✅ Deliver medical assistance to people affected by smoke-related illnesses

✅ Support emergency response teams and community volunteers

✅ Strengthen coordination and humanitarian assistance in affected areas

✅ Continue assessments to identify urgent needs on the ground

 

 

Urgent Needs

Communities affected by the wildfire and haze crisis urgently need:

  • Protective masks
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Medical assistance
  • Mobile health services
  • Support for children, older persons, pregnant women, and people with disabilities
  • Community health and emergency response support

 

 

Stand with the People of Borneo

Every donation helps protect families from the harmful effects of toxic haze and ensures vulnerable communities receive the support they urgently need.

Together, we can help families breathe safer, stay healthier, and recover from the devastating impacts of the Borneo wildfires.

Donate Today

Your generosity can save lives.

Support Human Initiative’s emergency response and help bring relief, protection, and hope to communities affected by the Borneo Wildfires.