‘I can only wait and hope’: Haze hits livelihoods in Sumatra as workers toil in unhealthy air
Wildfires in Indonesia have created hazardous air quality levels in Sumatra, severely impacting the livelihoods of local workers. Residents report significant income losses as public activity declines due to the dangerous transboundary haze.
Why it matters
The situation illustrates the severe economic and health consequences of environmental disasters on vulnerable populations.
Wildfires in Indonesia have caused transboundary haze and disrupted livelihoods in Sumatra. In the first of a series, CNA speaks to locals about the toll on their incomes and health.
Rickshaw rider Kholidi has seen his income slashed as regular passengers stay indoors because of the haze in Palembang, South Sumatra. (Photo: CNA/Nivell Rayda)
Nivell Rayda 20 Sep 2026 06:00AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST PALEMBANG, Indonesia: For hours, Kholidi pedals his rickshaw through the hazy streets of Palembang in search of passengers.
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