People Are Powerless Against Haze Disasters

KOMPAS/IRMA TAMBUNAN

School children walk along a street in Pematang Rahim village in Mendahara Ulu district, East Tanjung Jabung regency, Jambi, which is blanketed by thick haze from forest and land fires, on Thursday (19/9/2019).

MUARA SABAK, KOMPAS — Although haze has shrouded Jambi for more than a month, the victims have not received proper help and protection. Tens of thousands of people from children to the elderly continue to be exposed to the haze without being able to move to safer areas.

Severe fires that engulfed Sungai Buluh Peat Protection Forest and surrounding oil palm plantations have led to thick haze. The residents of six villages totaling more than 14,000 people in Mendahara Ulu district, North Tanjung Jabung regency, could do nothing despite the thick haze.