Reaching Communities Affected by Forest and Land Fires in West Kalimantan 

Forest and land fires in West Kalimantan have brought hardship to affected communities. Schools in Pontianak and surrounding areas were reportedly closed for two months, leaving children to study at home amid smoky conditions. During this difficult time, the generosity of our partners and donors enabled us to reach residents with masks and drinking water. 

From September 4–17, 2026, OBI helped at 34 distribution points across Pontianak, Kubu Raya, Ketapang, Bengkayang, and Landak. A total of 5,282 people received direct assistance through this response, which included the distribution of 848 packs of masks. 

Additionally, from September 14–16, 2026, OBI distributed 200 large containers of drinking water to 794 people across these five areas. This assistance helped families access safe drinking water as haze and limited resources made meeting their daily needs increasingly difficult. 

Behind every mask and container of drinking water was an expression of care reaching children, parents, and families. Those reached included 1,938 children, 54 older adults, and 118 people with disabilities. This support reminded them that they were not facing these hardships alone. 

Thank you to every partner and donor who supported this response. Your generosity enables OBI to continue bringing help and hope to communities in need.