There is no doubt that quality of the air that we breathe has a significant impact on the environment, hence affecting our health and quality of life. But that’s precisely what’s been lacking in Indonesia, especially in big cities and industrial areas.
Last year IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality technology company, ranked Indonesia at 14th among countries with the worst air quality. While in Southeast Asia, Indonesia holds the dubious distinction of having the poorest air quality, the only country in the region to be included in the global top 15.
Based on IQAir tracking, Indonesia’s average PM2.5 concentration last year reached 37.1 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe limit of 5 µg/m³.
PM stands for Particulate Matter, a term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
Data released by Kompas daily in 2023 showed that in reference to WHO recommended safe limit, only 0.8 percent of 64.9 million Indonesians who live in urban areas could enjoy clean air.
Most urban areas in the country have been blanketed by pollution that largely stems from fossil-fuel-based power plants, motor vehicles, cigarette smoke, kitchen gases, dust, and other chemicals.
Fatal Impact of Air Pollution
Dirty air that Indonesians breathe, according to the Ministry of Health, is the fifth leading risk factor for mortality in the country. Each year, around 123,000 people die from diseases related to air pollution, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis (TB).
Meanwhile, WHO data showed approximately 7 million deaths annually are linked to air pollution, with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases being the leading causes.
There is also a long-term consequence that is equally alarming. The National Research and Innovation Agency’s (BRIN) researchers found that air pollution has been reducing life expectancy for Indonesians by an average of 2.5 years.
These health problems are also likely to impact social and economic sides of life. Increased disease burdens lead to significant healthcare costs and economic strain on families and healthcare systems, while illness and reduced physical capacity negatively impact workplace productivity.
Building Collective Awareness
However, despite data highlighting those serious impacts, many Indonesians remain unaware of its dangers. Limited knowledge about the health risks, environmental effects, and mitigation strategies exacerbates the problem.
A clean and pollution-free planet is important for a healthier and more productive people so that greater partnership and prosperity can be achieved.
That’s why urgent action is needed from all stakeholders to reduce the dire impact of not only air but all kinds of pollution that’s been damaging the environment.
Arsjad Rasjid, 5P Global Movement’s founder, believes collaborative efforts among the government, public and private sectors are crucial to tackling this crisis.
Building collective awareness through public education, adoption of clean energy and enforcement of regulations are important in overcoming the problem.
“Without immediate action, their negative impacts will continue to overshadow future generations,” Rasjid said.
