Air pollution remains one of Indonesia’s most pressing environmental health challenges, with growing evidence showing its significant impact on population health, particularly in urban areas such as Jakarta. Addressing this issue requires not only stronger regulations, but also integrated data, cross-sector collaboration, and evidence-based policy action.

To advance this discussion, the Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia (RCCC UI) convened a Policy Dialogue titled “Reflecting on Air Pollution Status and Health Impacts in Indonesia: What Should We Do Next?”, with support from Yayasan Visi Indonesia Raya Emisi Nol Bersih (ViriyaENB). The dialogue brought together policymakers, researchers, health professionals, and practitioners to reflect on current conditions and identify strategic pathways forward.

Speakers

The policy dialogue featured contributions from the following speakers:

• Annisa Zahara, M.T., Directorate of Air Quality Protection and Management, Ministry of Environment

• Prof. Dr. R. Budi Haryanto, SKM., M.Kes., M.Sc., Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia

• dr. Efriadi Ismail, Sp.P(K), Committee on Respiratory Diseases and Air Pollution Impacts, Ministry of Health

• dr. Then Suyanti, MM., Directorate of Environmental Health, Ministry of Health

• Erni Pelita Fitratunnisa, Ir., ME., Jakarta Environmental Agency

To address these challenges, the Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia (RCCC UI) convened a Policy Dialogue titled “Reflecting on Air Pollution Status and Health Impacts in Indonesia: What Should We Do?” on 23 December 2025 in Jakarta, with support from Yayasan Visi Indonesia Raya Emisi Nol Bersih (ViriyaENB). The dialogue brought together representatives from national ministries, local government, academia, and the health sector to reflect on current conditions, identify key gaps, and formulate concrete next steps.

Key Messages from the Dialogue

Air Quality Status and Pollution Sources
Speakers highlighted that Jakarta’s air quality remains under significant pressure, with PM2.5 continuing to be the dominant pollutant. The national government is developing a differentiated air quality management framework that classifies areas into clean air reserve zones aligned with World Health Organization standards, residential areas with stricter thresholds than industrial zones, and industrial areas regulated under existing national standards. However, as air quality standards are set at the national level, local governments remain dependent on national policy direction to adjust regional regulations. Participants also noted that current air quality indices and visual communication tools do not yet fully reflect health risks faced by the population.

Health Impact Evidence and Research Findings
Academic research consistently demonstrates a strong relationship between increased air pollution and higher incidence of air pollution-related diseases, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Evidence shows that sustained reductions in PM2.5 concentrations are closely associated with improved population health outcomes. Despite the availability of robust research findings, their integration into policy formulation remains limited, highlighting a persistent gap between scientific evidence and decision-making processes.

Clinical Impacts and Health Services
From a clinical perspective, speakers emphasized that diseases related to air pollution are multifactorial, although environmental exposure often plays a dominant role. Clinical diagnosis follows established medical guidelines while considering environmental risk factors. Vertically managed hospitals under the Ministry of Health were identified as a key opportunity for strengthening health data analysis due to the uniformity of their medical record systems.

Health Impact Control and Prevention Programs
Programs to prevent and control health impacts of air pollution are already in place, yet they are not systematically integrated with air quality data. Preventive and promotive approaches remain underdeveloped compared to curative responses, limiting the effectiveness of early intervention and risk reduction strategies.

Cross-Cutting Issues and Discussion Highlights

Participants emphasized the absence of an integrated system linking air pollution data with health data, as well as the lack of surveillance mechanisms specifically designed to monitor air pollution-related diseases. Differences in understanding delayed health effects following pollution exposure further complicate impact assessment. Long-term risk projections exist, but they are not optimally used to inform policy decisions.

The discussion also underscored that research findings do not consistently reach policymakers. Technical agencies primarily act as policy implementers rather than decision-makers, reinforcing the need for more effective mechanisms to ensure scientific evidence informs policy direction. Risk communication to the public was identified as another critical gap, requiring stronger engagement from non-government actors and clearer, more consistent messaging. Participants agreed to use the term “air pollution-related diseases” to support clearer communication.

Action Points

The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to move beyond reflection toward action, including:

1. Formulating concrete policy contributions to address air pollution health impacts through concise, cross-sector policy documents.

2. Developing mechanisms for integrating air pollution and health data by involving relevant ministries, agencies, and health data providers.

3. Establishing a health surveillance framework for air pollution-related diseases that focuses on risk monitoring rather than single-cause attribution.

4. Compiling existing practices, implementation experiences, and success stories that can be replicated and scaled.

5. Strengthening the role of academia in evidence-based advocacy through policy briefs, policy dialogues, and data-driven public communication.

This policy dialogue reaffirms RCCC UI’s commitment, with support from ViriyaENB, to advancing evidence-informed, cross-sector collaboration that translates data and research into meaningful action to reduce air pollution and protect public health in Indonesia.