In the heart of Palangkaraya, where the haze from forest fires often grips the region, the Ranu Welum Foundation and Big Red Button Singapore have made a significant, life-saving contribution. Together, they have established a Haze Shelter, a secure refuge for residents affected by the persistent smoke that affects health and daily life. This shelter, designed as a safe room, is a beacon of hope for those most vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues.
The innovative concept of the haze shelter is to provide a clean, breathable environment using advanced air filtration systems. These systems reduce the particulate matter in the air especially PM 2,5, offering a respite from the dangerous haze that plagues the region during the dry season. The main shelter consists of two floor buildings made from concrete, with capacity of 40 people, equipped to support community members during severe pollution episodes, ensuring their well-being and safety. During the haze season in 2019 where the air quality was hazardous and lasted for 3 months, this shelter accommodated more than 400 people, mostly elders, babies and children under 10 years old. Shortly after, with the help and donation from Big Red Button, we set up three additional shelters in three different locations.
Filter machine at the HQ Ranu Welum as the main air exchange point.
The entrance on the first floor of the main shelter
Nebulizer tool to help with respiratory problem
In 2024, the operational cost of the facilities is sponsored by GIZ GmbH, a German development agency known for its support of sustainable and environmental projects worldwide. With their sponsorship, three shelters can continue to operate efficiently on these locations:
Main Shelter located at Ranu Welum Headquarter on Jl. Rajawali Km. 1 Building number 3
2nd Shelter located at the hall of Mahanaim church on Hendrik Timang Street, Jekan Raya district
3rd Shelter located at PKBM Candrakirana (classroom) on Panglima Batur street, Pahandut District
Children playing at PKBM Candrakirana, the third place where safe room was installed
Visitor at the main shelter received one pack of one ply mask
The supplies provided for each shelter consist of sealing sheets, fan and air razor, air purifier machine, masks. Since the air pollution was not bad during this period and the situation of haze was already stabilized, only two people visited the main shelter. However, both safe rooms were used by students and children on a daily basis, in which we receive the information that during the bad air quality the housekeeper will switch on the shelter mode so the room is clean from any air pollution.
The collaboration between local initiative and international support marks a promising step toward addressing environmental health challenges in Palangkaraya. The financial aid not only supports the maintenance and utility costs but also contributes to community awareness programs about pollution and preventive measures. Through this endeavor, Ranu Welum Foundation, Big Red Button, and GIZ GmbH demonstrate a shared commitment to safeguarding the community's health and resilience.
Sealing holes or ventilation as part of the basic steps in preparing a clean room.
Clean room at Mahanaim hall that can accommodate around 30 people during bad haze season.
air purifier machine was placed inside the box to secure the purification and filtering spot
Sasa, a local volunteer who already received the training on how to setup a safe room, placed air razor on the fan as second purifying method.