Indonesia’s Health Ministry has denied claims that Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin suffered breathing difficulties after a photograph of him using an oxygen tank during an official visit to Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, went viral on social media.
The ministry’s Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information, Aji Muhawarman, said on Sunday that the minister was not experiencing shortness of breath and was instead explaining facilities available to help residents cope with the effects of haze.
“The narrative circulating on social media is untrue and amounts to misinformation, slander and hate,” Aji said.
He added that Budi had worn a KN95 face mask throughout the visit.
According to Aji, the visit was part of efforts to promote the MDMC Oxygen House facility and the Central Kalimantan provincial government’s Oxygen Bus, which provide assistance to residents experiencing respiratory problems caused by haze.
He urged the public not to be misled by claims that distort the facts.
“Let us work together to protect the health of residents affected by forest and land fires and ensure they receive the necessary treatment and healthcare services,” he said.
