Friday, 23 October 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The youth organisation of the Golkar Party, Angkatan Muda Partai Golkar (AMPG), in Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency has joined forces with the Kotapinang neighbourhood administration and medical staff from Kotapinang Regional Hospital to distribute masks to residents. The initiative took place on Thursday, 15 October 2026, amid concerns about smoke pollution that could pose a threat to public health.
The community outreach campaign was held at the Simpang Tiga Bukit junction in Kotapinang, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency, North Sumatra Province. It aimed to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with smoke exposure, which is believed to be linked to forest and land fires.Numerous motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians received masks as an initial protective measure while carrying out outdoor activities. At the same time, the organisers highlighted the importance of taking the health effects of smoke seriously, particularly as the air becomes increasingly polluted by thick smoke.
The initiative involved the Kotapinang neighbourhood administration, the Labuhanbatu Selatan branch of the Golkar Party, the National Zakat Agency (Badan Amil Zakat Nasional, BAZNAS) in Labuhanbatu Selatan, medical personnel and several clinics in the Kotapinang area. The initiative also received support from the head of the narcotics investigation unit at the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police.The collaboration between these various parties demonstrates the importance of cooperation among government authorities, youth organisations, medical personnel and social institutions in supporting communities facing threats to their safety and health.
Yazid Alvaro Hasibuan, a representative of the Labuhanbatu Selatan branch of AMPG, the Golkar Party's youth organisation, said the mask distribution reflected his organisation's concern for public health and safety, particularly when smoke affects air quality.
"Thank God, we from the AMPG of the Golkar Party's branch leadership in Labuhanbatu Selatan can contribute to the community by distributing masks. We hope people will use them to protect their own health and that of their families, as the air is currently becoming increasingly polluted by thick smoke," Yazid said.He urged residents to wear the masks they had received to help reduce their exposure to smoke when outdoors. He also called on the public to exercise extra caution, particularly when working, driving or undertaking other activities outside their homes.
In his view, people need to understand that smoke pollution is not a harmless problem. Awareness of personal health protection is essential to ensure that residents do not underestimate the risk of illness as air quality deteriorates.The mask distribution at the Simpang Tiga Bukit junction in Kotapinang also served an educational purpose. Alongside handing out masks, the organisers informed residents about the importance of monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting their activities according to the level of smoke pollution.
The presence of local officials and medical personnel on the ground underlined the need for practical measures to protect public health. Residents require not only warnings but also reliable information on how to reduce smoke exposure and recognise possible health problems.
When air quality deteriorates, children, older people and individuals with respiratory conditions or other health problems should receive particular protection. These groups may face greater risks when exposed to smoke over extended periods.Smoke can cause eye irritation, coughing and respiratory problems. Exposure to fine particulate matter can also worsen the condition of people with asthma and other lung diseases.
For this reason, residents should limit outdoor activities when smoke becomes heavier. If outdoor air quality worsens, keeping doors and windows closed may help reduce the amount of smoke entering homes. Residents should also monitor official air-quality updates and follow guidance issued by the relevant authorities.Masks can help reduce exposure to smoke, but their effectiveness depends on the type of mask and how well it fits. Cloth masks and ordinary medical masks do not provide optimal protection against all fine particles in smoke. Properly fitted respirators that seal closely against the face can offer better protection against fine particles.
Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain or other serious symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Preventive measures must also be accompanied by air-quality monitoring and efforts by the relevant authorities to control the sources of smoke.At the same time, residents need reliable information about the sources and causes of smoke pollution in Labuhanbatu Selatan. The relevant authorities should investigate the causes through on-site inspections and publish further findings based on official data. This would help prevent the spread of unverified information.
"Thank God, today we are supporting the head of Kotapinang neighbourhood in distributing masks following the fires. We at BAZNAS in Labuhanbatu Selatan appreciate his commitment and willingness to help. May this spirit continue so that he can keep serving the community," Muhammad Yusuf said.
He emphasised that cooperation between government authorities and social institutions played an important role in helping communities deal with the consequences of disasters. He hoped the spirit of solidarity would continue to grow so that issues affecting public welfare could be addressed collectively.BAZNAS's involvement also demonstrates how social institutions can make a direct contribution to meeting community needs through practical action. When public health is at risk, cooperation among different organisations can help extend health education and protective measures to more people.
Through this initiative, AMPG of the Golkar Party in Labuhanbatu Selatan, the Kotapinang neighbourhood administration, BAZNAS, medical personnel and other participants hope to strengthen public awareness of the importance of protecting personal health.The mask distribution also serves as a reminder that social responsibility involves more than issuing warnings and appeals. A direct presence in the community, combined with health education and reliable information, is an important part of efforts to reduce the risks associated with smoke pollution.
The organisers hope to continue working together in the future, both to address smoke pollution and to support residents facing other social and health challenges.Labuhanbatu Selatan is not merely a shared place to live; it is also a region whose protection requires the commitment, participation and responsibility of all sections of society. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
