Jakarta, ThedailyID — Thick haze returned to Palembang, South Sumatra, on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, after conditions briefly improved the previous day. Residents reported reduced visibility, a strong smell of smoke and breathing difficulties.
The haze began covering residential areas at around 6 a.m. local time. Conditions were particularly severe in Gandus, where thick smoke blanketed the Albarian Gandus housing complex from early morning.
Yana, a local resident, said the smoke was already heavy when she left home to sell goods.
“The smoke was very thick when I went outside to sell. My eyes hurt, and I felt short of breath,” Yana told CNN Indonesia.
Another resident, Yudi, said the haze had eased slightly on Saturday but returned with greater intensity the following morning. He estimated visibility in his neighborhood had fallen to around 100 meters.
Air quality data recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 163 in Gandus, classified as unhealthy. Across Palembang, the AQI reached 149, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, with PM2.5 identified as the main pollutant.
Weather conditions may have contributed to the haze buildup. Gandus recorded temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius, humidity of 83% and wind speeds of just 2 kilometers per hour. These conditions can limit the movement of smoke and allow pollutants to accumulate.
The renewed haze has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s weather modification efforts. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) previously tested 2.4 tonnes of dry ice to disperse haze and improve visibility at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport from 1,000 meters to 2,800 meters.
However, Yudi questioned why the haze had returned despite the operation.
“Why is the smoke still thick after the government tested dry ice? It just wastes money,” he said.
The haze is suspected to be linked to ongoing forest and land fires in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency and surrounding areas. Smoke carried by the wind, combined with high morning humidity, may have increased pollutant concentrations.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecast that Palembang’s temperature could reach 36 degrees Celsius on Sunday afternoon, with a feels-like temperature of 41 degrees and an 11% chance of rain.
Residents have been advised to wear masks, limit outdoor activities and seek medical attention if they experience respiratory problems.
