Jerhemy Owen Highlights the Haze and Clean Water Crisis in Kalimantan

BANDA ACEH – Environmental activist Jerhemy Owen has spoken up about the situation in Kalimantan where locals are dealing with thick haze from forest and land fires, plus drought. The lack of clean water and the terrible air quality have caused serious health problems, including diarrhea from poor sanitation. In a post on Threads, Owen shared how some people can only bathe once a week and have to reuse water over and over again. “I was just told by volunteers in Central Kalimantan that their condition is really bad, many are getting sick with diarrhea because of this sanitation issue,” he wrote. Owen also posted pictures of Kalimantan’s sky turning a yellowish orange and PM2.5 readings that shot past 3,000, way over the WHO standard of under 35. He admitted that after just four days in Palangka Raya he already had shortness of breath and a cough. He’s hoping things get better soon so people can get back to their daily lives with enough clean air and water, and reminded everyone to take care of their health. https://www.harianaceh.co.id/2026/10/26/jerhemy-owen-ungkap-kondisi-memprihatinkan-warga-kalimantan-kabut-asap-kekeringan-hingga-picu-muntaber/