Indonesia currently ranks among the countries with the highest levels of air pollution, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits. Urban areas continue to face mounting public health risks linked to deteriorating air quality, highlighting the urgent need for integrated, data-driven approaches to support timely policy responses and community protection.
In Surabaya, as one of Indonesia’s major metropolitan and industrial centers, air pollution poses a significant challenge to public health management. Strengthening institutional capacity to integrate air quality data with health information is therefore critical to support early warning systems and evidence-based interventions, enabling faster responses during periods of hazardous air quality.
Stakeholders across sectors have demonstrated growing commitment to improving air quality and protecting public health. One strategic step is the integration of air quality parameters with health data to support the development of early warning systems—allowing authorities and communities to take preventive actions, such as limiting outdoor activities or using protective measures during high pollution episodes.
As part of this effort, the Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia (RCCC UI), in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, organized a capacity-building training titled:
Capacity Building on Integrated Data Analysis for Air Quality and Related Diseases Using Microsoft Excel,
held in Surabaya.
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ technical capacity in integrating and analyzing air quality and disease-related health data, while also fostering coordination and a shared understanding among institutions involved in environmental and health data management to support the development of effective early warning systems.
Participants represented a range of institutions, including local health authorities, academic institutions, and research organizations, reflecting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing air pollution and public health challenges.
Throughout the training, participants developed practical skills in data processing and integration, including policy brief review, data transformation, data cleaning, and identification of outliers. The sessions also covered basic statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel, such as normality testing (Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk), correlation analysis (Spearman’s Rank and Pearson), simple regression analysis, and basic health data projection. Data visualization and interpretation techniques were also emphasized, enabling participants to produce meaningful charts, trendlines, and analytical outputs to support evidence-based decision-making.
As part of the training program, RCCC UI also recognized outstanding participants who demonstrated strong engagement, analytical skills, and the ability to apply integrated air quality and health data analysis throughout the sessions. This appreciation reflects RCCC UI’s commitment to encouraging excellence, active participation, and the practical use of evidence-based approaches in environmental health.
The recognition of best participants is expected to motivate continued learning and strengthen the application of data-driven insights within participants’ respective institutions, contributing to broader efforts to improve air quality management and public health outcomes.
This capacity-building training reflects the shared commitment of RCCC UI and the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, to strengthening local data capacity and advancing evidence-based environmental health policy in Indonesia.
