Indonesia faces a severe and growing air pollution crisis, particularly in urban centers like Jakarta. The country’s rapid industrialization, heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, and increasing vehicular emissions have led to dangerously high levels of air pollution, posing significant health risks to millions.
To better understand the challenges and solutions surrounding air pollution in Indonesia, I spoke with Dr. Elisabeth Rianawati, an environmental science and policy management expert. Dr. Rianawati is a leading advocate in Jakarta, working on air quality monitoring, policy interventions, and community-driven solutions. Her work has focused on bridging the gap between scientific research and actionable policies, emphasizing the role of citizen engagement in addressing environmental issues. Through her efforts, she has contributed to initiatives that improve air pollution awareness, data transparency, and policy advocacy in Indonesia.
In this blog, I will explore how citizen-led movements have played a key role in tackling Indonesia’s air pollution crisis. I will draw from Dr. Rianawati’s insights and highlight major initiatives shaping the country’s environmental policies.
Citizen Action & Policy Change
In recent years, citizen advocacy has been crucial in pushing for stronger air pollution policies in Indonesia. As air quality in cities like Jakarta continues to deteriorate, community-led initiatives and legal actions have emerged as forces driving policy change. Dr. Rianawati emphasizes this shift: “The main driving force is actually the citizens.” She highlights that one of the most significant milestones in Indonesia’s fight against air pollution has been the increasing involvement of civil society in holding the government accountable for clean air.
One of the most notable examples of citizen-led action was the recent class-action lawsuit filed by a coalition of NGOs, environmental activists, and residents against the Jakarta government for failing to address the area’s persistent air pollution crisis. Many plaintiffs had suffered severe health consequences due to prolonged exposure to poor air quality, including respiratory diseases, reduced lung function, and increased cardiovascular risks. This legal battle was not just about compensation but a broader demand for systemic change through stricter air quality regulations, improved enforcement, and greater government accountability.
According to Dr. Rianawati, this case set the precedent for public participation in environmental governance, showing how legal action effectively compels policy makers to act. The impact of the lawsuit was swift and significant. Within three months of the citizens’ push–amplified through social media campaigns–the president issued several instructions to take action on air pollution. Essentially, the rise of social media and digital platforms has amplified citizen’s voices, accelerating policy change. Social media has become critical for mobilizing public support, disseminating air quality data, and accelerating policy responses.
Citizen activism in Indonesia is not new; past movements have successfully influenced major environmental policies. Dr. Rianawati points to the advocacy efforts that led to the country’s ban on lead gasoline in 2001. Decades of public health research and activism, combined with international pressure, ultimately pushed the government to phase out lead-filled fuels–a major victory in reducing air pollution and improving public health. The transition to unleaded fuel was a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and policy-making.
More recently, grassroots organizations have taken a proactive role in shaping air pollution policies. Groups such as Nafas Indonesia and Greenpeace Indonesia have been instrumental in raising awareness about air quality issues, educating the public on pollution sources, and pressuring decision-makers to implement stricter environmental regulations. These organizations work closely with local communities, organizing campaigns, air quality monitoring programs, and public discussions to ensure that clean air remains a priority on the policy agenda.
Despite these successes, some challenges remain. Dr. Rianawati highlighted that while citizen-led movements have successfully pushed for change, the enforcement of air pollution policies is often inconsistent. Many industries continue to operate without adequate emissions controls, and regulatory agencies face difficulties in monitoring compliance. Additionally, shifting political priorities and economic pressures can sometimes slow the momentum of environmental reforms.
However, the growing engagement of citizens in air pollution advocacy reflects a broader shift in public awareness. As more people recognize the link between pollution and health, there is increasing pressure on the government to adopt long-term solutions.
The Role of Technology in Air Quality Monitoring
Technology plays an increasingly important role in understanding and addressing air pollution. Specifically, the rise of low-cost sensors (LCS) has transformed air quality monitoring in Indonesia, making real-time data more accessible and actionable. These sensors provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional reference-grade monitors used by the government, allowing for denser monitoring networks and community-driven air quality tracking.
While primarily focused on policy interventions, Dr. Rianawati has closely engaged with projects that incorporate low-cost sensors, recognizing their crucial role in data collection and advocacy efforts. She emphasizes that expanding air quality monitoring coverage is essential for both policymaking and public awareness. Traditionally, government-run monitoring stations have been limited in number and unevenly distributed, often failing to capture neighborhood-level pollution variations. Low-cost sensors help bridge this gap by providing hyperlocal air quality data, empowering communities to take informed action.
Dr. Rianawati also detailed the business model behind low-cost sensors, explaining how companies such as IQAir, PurpleAir, and Clarity offer these devices through subscription services or direct sales. Unlike high-grade reference monitors, which cost hundreds of dollars per unit, low-cost sensors are significantly cheaper. Their affordability allows for a much higher number of monitoring stations, resulting in more comprehensive air quality data coverage across Indonesia.
However, Dr. Rianawati acknowledges that challenges remain in ensuring data accuracy and standardization. Many low-cost sensors require regular calibration and maintenance to prevent data drift, and discrepancies between different sensor brands can sometimes make direct comparisons difficult. Efforts to improve calibration methodologies and establish standardized protocols for low-cost air quality monitoring are ongoing.
Despite these challenges, the growing adoption of low-cost sensors represents a major step forward in democratizing air quality information. As these technologies become more widespread, they have the potential to empower communities, enhance policy decision-making, and ultimately drive stronger air pollution control measures across Indonesia.
Data Transparency & Accessibility Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles in tackling air pollution in Indonesia is ensuring that air quality data is both accurate and accessible. While government agencies and independent organizations have expanded air quality monitoring networks, inconsistencies in measurement standards and data availability still pose challenges. Dr. Rianawati noted that while progress has been made in publishing real-time air quality data, discrepancies between official government monitors and low-cost sensors can create confusion, weakening advocacy efforts. Standardizing data collection methods and ensuring transparency will be crucial in empowering both citizens and policymakers to take effective action.
Lessons from Global Initiatives
Indonesia and other countries can learn from some, like China and the European Union, which have successfully implemented strict air pollution regulations. China’s aggressive policies, including shutting down polluting industries and enforcing emissions limits, have significantly improved air quality in major cities. Meanwhile, the EU’s legally binding air quality standards have pushed for cleaner transportation and industrial practices. Dr. Rianawati emphasizes that while Indonesia can adopt similar strategies, solutions must be tailored to local conditions–particularly transitioning away from coal and strengthening emissions enforcement. International collaboration and knowledge-sharing will also play a key role in driving sustainable air quality improvements.
Concluding Thoughts
When discussing Indonesia’s path forward, Dr. Rianawati stressed that lasting improvements in air quality will require a multi-faceted approach–one that combines sustained citizen advocacy, strong legal frameworks, technological advancements, and transparent data-sharing policies.
She emphasized that while significant progress has been made in raising public awareness and pushing for policy change, continued momentum is necessary. “Advocacy efforts must be sustained, and we need to ensure that policies are not only enacted but also enforced,” she said. Without consistent enforcement and accountability, even well-intended regulations can fall short of their intended impact.
Dr. Rianawati remains hopeful that Indonesia is on the right track. The increasing engagement of citizens, the expansion of air quality monitoring networks, and the gradual shift toward cleaner energy solutions indicate that positive change is underway. However, she reiterated that achieving truly clean air will require ongoing collaboration between the government, scientists, activists, and everyday citizens.
Ultimately, the fight for clean air in Indonesia is a long-term effort–one that demands persistence, innovation, and a collective commitment to public health and environmental sustainability. As Indonesia continues to navigate its air pollution challenges, the lessons from past advocacy efforts and global initiatives will serve as a crucial guide in shaping a cleaner and healthier future.