Air pollution is one of the world’s major environmental threats, with direct impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.
Across Asia, millions of people are still exposed to air pollution levels that exceed safe limits. In Indonesia, pollution comes from various sources, including vehicles, industrial activities, land burning, and the use of fossil fuel-based energy.
Outdoor air pollution does not only cause respiratory problems. It is also associated with heart disease, stroke, cancer, pregnancy complications, and reduced life expectancy.
For this reason, efforts to reduce emissions need to be carried out collectively through government policies, changes in energy systems, cleaner transportation, improved waste management, and the development of renewable energy.
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What Is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is a condition in which the atmosphere is contaminated by gases, particles, or biological agents that reduce air quality.
This pollution can come from natural sources, such as volcanic activity, plant pollen, and dust storms, as well as from human activities.
Major human-related sources include motor vehicles, power plants, industrial activities, agriculture, construction, pesticide use, and the burning of fuels and biomass.
One pollutant that requires particular attention is particulate matter (PM2.5).
These extremely small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of various health problems.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution
The impacts of air pollution are not limited to people who already have respiratory conditions.
Long-term exposure can affect multiple organs and increase the risk of several health problems, including:
- Respiratory disorders. Exposure to pollutants, particularly PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and increase the risk of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- Heart and cardiovascular disease. Air pollution can increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
- Cancer. Long-term exposure to certain pollutants is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
- Pregnancy complications. Polluted air may increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and miscarriage.
- Effects on the brain. Air pollution exposure has also been linked to impaired brain function and an increased risk of conditions such as dementia.
- Premature death. Globally, around 7.9 million premature deaths each year are associated with air pollution.
In addition to affecting health, air pollution also places pressure on the economy.
Worker productivity can decline due to health problems, while medical costs and the number of lost working days continue to increase.
Air Pollution in Asia Is Becoming Increasingly Concerning
Asia is one of the regions facing the most serious air quality challenges.
More than 90% of Asia’s population, or around 4 billion people, live in areas where air quality exceeds recommended safety levels.
In Southeast Asia, nearly 99% of the population lives in areas where pollution levels exceed WHO guidelines.
Rapid urban growth, industrial activity, increasing vehicle ownership, fossil fuel consumption, and forest and land fires are among the factors worsening the situation.
South Asia also faces a significant health burden.
The mortality rate associated with exposure to toxic air in the region reaches around 195 deaths per 100,000 people, substantially higher than in high-income countries.
Beyond its impact on human health, air pollution can reduce labor productivity and agricultural yields while increasing healthcare costs.
In Southeast Asia, the economic impact of pollution-related deaths is even projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars annually by 2050.
Air Pollution Conditions in Indonesia Are Similar
Indonesia also faces major challenges in controlling air pollution.
People in several regions are exposed to PM2.5 concentrations that are several times higher than WHO recommendations.
Jakarta is one example of an area facing air quality issues due to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial activity, burning, and various other urban activities.
Long-term exposure to pollution can increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Forest and land fires can also significantly worsen air quality.
Smoke from these fires can spread across large areas and sharply increase particulate concentrations in the air.
This situation not only disrupts daily activities but can also increase demand for healthcare services.
For this reason, controlling air pollution cannot rely solely on individual behavioral changes.
Cooperation between governments, industries, and multiple sectors is required to reduce emissions at their sources.
How Can Air Pollution Be Reduced?
Efforts to address air pollution need to involve governments, industries, and communities.
Several measures can be taken, including:
- Develop low-emission transportation. Greater use of public transportation, electric vehicles, walking, and cycling can help reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
- Transition to clean energy. Developing solar, hydropower, wind, and other low-emission energy sources can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Improve waste management. Sorting, recycling, reuse, and proper waste treatment can reduce the need for open waste burning.
- Reduce open burning. Burning waste and biomass can release particulate matter and other pollutants that negatively affect air quality.
- Improve energy efficiency. Using more energy-efficient equipment and buildings can help lower both energy consumption and emissions.
- Strengthen government policies. Governments need to establish air quality standards, conduct regular monitoring, and control emissions from industry, energy, transportation, and agriculture.
- Encourage public participation. Communities can contribute by reducing private vehicle use, choosing public transportation, avoiding waste burning, and supporting environmentally friendly products and services.
Read Also: What Is a Carbon Footprint? Meaning, Causes, Impacts, and Ways to Reduce It
TBS’s Role in Renewable Energy Development
One important step toward reducing emissions and supporting environmental quality is the transition toward cleaner energy.
TBS continues to expand its portfolio through the development of renewable energy projects.
In 2020, TBS acquired PT Adimitra Energi Hidro (AEH), the developer of a 2 x 3 MW mini-hydropower plant in Lampung, through its subsidiary PT Toba Bara Energi (TBAE).
The AEH project reached its Commercial Operation Date (COD) on January 22, 2025, with a total capacity of 6 MW.
In the same year, TBS also acquired PT Bayu Alam Sejahtera (BAS), which is exploring wind energy potential in East Nusa Tenggara.
The mini-hydropower plant supplies clean energy to the Southern Sumatra region while supporting greater diversification of energy sources.
In addition, TBS is developing the 46 MWp Tembesi Floating Solar Power Plant in Batam, which reached financial closing in 2024.
The project is targeted to begin commercial operations and connect to the national electricity grid in 2026.
In addition to its potential to reduce carbon emissions, the project is also expected to support improvements in local air quality, create green jobs, and encourage technology transfer and collaboration with local communities.
Through the development of the 6 MW Sumberjaya Mini-Hydropower Plant in Lampung and the 46 MWp Tembesi Floating Solar Power Plant currently under development in Batam, TBS continues to expand its contribution to the energy transition and more sustainable development.
These efforts form part of the transition toward a cleaner energy system while helping create a healthier environment for communities.
