El Niño 'Godzilla' Threatens Worsening Air Pollution, Endangering Indonesian Health

Indonesia is bracing for the potential of significantly worsening air pollution and its severe health implications as the "Godzilla" El Niño phenomenon is predicted to bring an extended dry season. This prolonged period of dryness, expected from April to October 2026, poses a serious threat to the well-being of citizens, particularly in densely populated urban areas. For street sweepers like Junaedi and Yatno in East Jakarta, exposure to air pollution is an unavoidable daily reality. During the dry season, they commonly experience coughing and respiratory issues, often treated with over-the-counter medication without further medical examination. Data from the Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLH) for 2025 reveals a stark picture: out of 365 days, Jakarta residents only breathe air of good quality for approximately six days. The remaining days are categorized as moderate (259 days) or unhealthy (93 days). Nationally, IQAir's 2025 report ranked Indonesia 17th out of 134 countries for the worst air quality, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 31.4 µg/m³. The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) forecasts a long dry spell associated with the "Godzilla" El Niño, which could exacerbate the air quality situation in Jakarta. Dedi Gardesi Asikin, Head of DLH Jakarta, explained, "Drier air conditions during the dry season make particulate pollutants like PM2.5 more likely to accumulate in the atmosphere." The primary contributors to air pollution are identified as land transportation, industrial activities, and the remnants of waste burning. These sources significantly contribute to public health problems, including Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, and pneumonia. Budi Haryanto, a researcher at RCCC UI, emphasized that air pollution is a serious threat not only to vulnerable groups such as children, women, pregnant women, and the elderly but also to those whose occupations require interaction with pollution sources. "Air pollution knows no borders. Emissions from industries, waste burning, or motor vehicles can be carried anywhere by the wind," he stated. Source: Mongabay Indonesia