Due to forest and land fires, Kalimantan Selatan recorded 189,000 cases of ISPA by September 2023.

Based on data from the South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office (Dinkes), there were 189,111 cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) experienced by residents of South Kalimantan during January-September 2023.

Head of South Kalimantan's Dinkes, Dialuddin, explained that the prolonged dry season this year and the widespread forest and land fires (karhutla) have resulted in unhealthy air quality.

Consequently, said Dialuddin, the number of ARI cases in South Kalimantan in several regions has reportedly increased.

"Fortunately, to date there have been no reports of ARI patients dying," said Dialuddin in his statement, as reported by *Republika.co.id*, Saturday (9/9/2023).

The most ARI cases in South Kalimantan occurred in Banjarmasin City, reaching 36,082 cases.

This was followed by Banjar Regency and Banjarbaru City, with 26,237 and 22,910 cases respectively.

Responding to the high number of ARI cases in South Kalimantan, Dialuddin urged local residents to wear masks as a preventive measure.

"We urge the public to wear masks when leaving the house and always maintain their health by drinking plenty of vitamins and water," said Dialuddin.

For completeness, here is a breakdown of ARI cases in South Kalimantan province as of September 9, 2023, by region:

1. Banjarmasin City: 36,082 cases
2. Banjar Regency: 26,237 cases
3. Banjarbaru City: 22,910 cases
4. Central Hulu Sungai Regency: 17,699 cases
5. Kotabaru Regency: 13,445 cases
6. Balangan Regency: 12,174 cases
7. South Hulu Sungai Regency: 11,584 cases
8. North Hulu Sungai Regency: 10,267 cases
9. Tabalong Regency: 9,875 cases
10. Tanah Bumbu Regency: 9,786 cases
11. Tapin Regency: 9,698 cases
12. Barito Kuala Regency: 8,125 cases
13. Tanah Laut Regency: 1,229 cases

(See also: Forest Fire Area in West Kalimantan Reaches 1,360 Times the Size of Monas)