Connecting research, environmental policy, health data, and international collaboration for stronger air pollution action

Tokyo, Japan | 8–12 June 2026

Air pollution is not only an environmental challenge. It is a public health issue that calls for reliable data, strong research, effective policies, and collaboration across institutions.

With this perspective, the Research Center for Climate Change Universitas Indonesia (RCCC UI), together with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, conducted a study visit to Japan from 8–12 June 2026. Supported by ViriyaENB, the visit brought the delegation into discussions with academic, governmental, and international cooperation institutions to explore how Japan connects air quality monitoring, research, health, and policy.

The exchange began with a look at how data can become a foundation for evidence. At the University of Tokyo, the delegation learned about Japan’s publicly accessible air quality data and how researchers use these resources to generate evidence and communicate findings to government and other stakeholders. The discussions also highlighted the importance of access to health data, which in Japan generally requires formal requests.

This connection between environmental exposure and health evidence was further explored at the Tokyo University of Science. Research conducted in collaboration with JICA demonstrated how air quality monitoring can be combined with health data, cohort studies, and indoor air quality assessments. Beyond producing scientific findings, the experience also emphasized the importance of communicating health risks and making research understandable and useful to communities.

The journey then moved from research to environmental policy and monitoring at scale. At the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MoE Japan), the delegation learned about Japan’s long-term efforts to control air pollution, beginning with stronger regulations in the 1960s. Today, Japan operates approximately 1,400 air quality monitoring stations, with monitoring results made publicly available in real time through the Atmospheric Regional Observation System (Soraname). The experience offered a clear example of how sustained regulation, monitoring, and transparency can support long-term improvements in air quality.

At JICA, the discussion broadened the perspective toward international cooperation and capacity building. JICA’s experience supporting air quality management programmes in developing countries showed how technical assistance, institutional strengthening, and partnerships can help translate knowledge into action at both national and local levels. The meeting also opened possibilities for future collaboration in areas such as climate change, environmental health, disease control, and research partnerships between Indonesian and Japanese institutions.

Across the four institutions, the visit revealed a common thread: air pollution management works best when data, science, policy, and people are connected.

For RCCC UI, the study visit was therefore not simply an opportunity to learn from Japan, but also a space to explore what could be adapted to Indonesia’s own environmental and public health priorities. The exchange strengthened international research networks while opening opportunities for future collaboration and deeper integration between air quality evidence and health policy.

As RCCC UI continues to work at the intersection of climate, environment, and public health, these lessons provide an important foundation for strengthening evidence-based research and turning knowledge into meaningful action.