PALMOILMAGAZINE, TANJUNG SELOR — Haze from forest and land fires has deteriorated air quality in Bulungan Regency, particularly in Tanjung Selor and surrounding areas, prompting the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) North Kalimantan Branch to provide assistance to affected residents.
Through its social initiative GAPKI KALTARA PEDULI, the organization distributed face masks through the Bulungan Health Office to help protect residents from unhealthy air conditions caused by the wildfire haze.
The mask distribution is part of the palm oil industry’s response to the impact of the haze on local communities and supports the regional government’s appeal for residents to wear masks amid declining air quality.
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The initiative is also in line with a circular issued by the Bulungan Regent on August 20, 2026, under Circular Letter No. 300.2.3/318/BPBD.II, concerning the use of masks in response to the prevailing haze conditions.
The assistance was handed over on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Bulungan Health Office. GAPKI North Kalimantan Chairman Hendra Lingtung, represented by other GAPKI officials, said the initiative reflected the moral commitment of palm oil companies operating under the association to stand alongside communities during environmental emergencies.
“This involvement reflects the moral commitment of palm oil companies affiliated with GAPKI North Kalimantan to stand alongside the community amid the environmental disaster currently taking place,” GAPKI said in its statement.
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Meanwhile, Acting Secretary of the Bulungan Health Office Rustam Iwandi, SKM, MPH, representing the Head of the Bulungan Health Office, expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by GAPKI.
He said the masks would be distributed to residents in need.
The initiative highlights the role of the palm oil sector in responding to the public health impacts of wildfire haze. As air quality deteriorates, the use of face masks remains one of the protective measures encouraged by the local government to reduce residents’ exposure to haze. (P2)
