Andita Rahma, Jakarta – Humanitarian Senior Advocacy Manager of Save the Children Indonesia, Rinsan Lumban Tobing, said the future of the children who are exposed to haze from the forest fire has been neglected by the government.

"What happens to their growth? What happens to their lungs or brains that have been exposed to the smoke for years?" he said in Central Jakarta on Thursday, September 19.

Rinsan explained the smog will likely highly affect the children's growth. When they grow up, they are potential to get sick more easily and cannot conduct their activities to the fullest.

As a result, economic-wise, they will be lack behind in competition especially during productive ages. The generation above 15 years old is classified as a productive age, either in education, work, or social activity.

The government has been neglecting the long-term effect of the haze for the children. If it's not taken seriously, Indonesia will lose its chance to become a developed country.

"The demographic bonus is not maximally utilized, most likely due to the unproductive productive age," Rinsan remarked.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1249815/save-the-children-govt-neglects-children-of-haze-victims