Air pollution remains a major environmental and health challenge in Indonesia, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and transport emissions. This study provides a systematic review of the progress, challenges, and future directions in the performance and application of air-quality models across Indonesia from 2010 to 2024. A total of 122 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, covering deterministic models such as AERMOD, CALINE4, WRF-Chem, CALPUFF, and HYSPLIT, as well as emerging machine-learning approaches. Results show that deterministic models remain dominant for urban and industrial assessments, yet their performance is limited by incomplete emission inventories, sparse monitoring networks, and complex tropical meteorology. Recent advances using machine learning, low-cost sensors, and satellite data have improved forecasting, though integration with policy and regulatory frameworks remains limited. Overall, Indonesia’s modeling landscape is progressing but fragmented. Strengthening emission databases, enhancing model validation, and improving collaboration between research institutions and policymakers are essential, providing key scientific evidence to support the development of data-driven and policy-integrated air quality management frameworks in tropical archipelagic environments.

Volcanic ash emissions pose threats to aviation safety and socioeconomic activities, necessitating accurate dispersion modeling for effective early warning systems. The Mass Eruption Rate (MER) is a crucial parameter in ash transport models, yet its estimation remains a primary source of uncertainty. This study evaluates six MER formulations (MER1– MER4: non-wind-affected; MER5–MER6: wind-affected) for simulating ash dispersion from the Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption using HYSPLIT, under two plume height scenarios (H = 1,000 m and 9,000 m). Results indicate that the plume orientation aligns well with Sentinel5P observations, though significant concentration discrepancies are evident. Case 1 shows a severe systematic underestimation (FB = -190.24%), likely due to uncertainties in column height and the high-resolution CAMS EAC validation constraints. Case 2 demonstrates much better agreement with CAMS EAC4 reanalysis data, with a minimal fractional bias (FB = -7.06%), a high index of agreement (IOA = 0.9653), and an RMSE of 0.7084 µg.m⁻ ³. Sensitivity analysis reveals that uncertainty in column height can increase MER variance roughly threefold, highlighting that source height precision largely determines MER accuracy. Although MER5 does not consistently outperform other formulations, it demonstrates relatively more consistent spatial dispersion patterns under wind-dominated conditions, though performance remains sensitive to source parameter accuracy. Consequently, this study recommends a multilevel operational approach that employs MER5 under favorable meteorological conditions, combined with rigorous uncertainty quantification to support operational volcanic ash advisories.

Commuter exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) depends not only on the transport microenvironment but also on how long the journey takes. We monitored personal PM₂.₅ during 278 angkot, bus rapid transit (BRT), and motorcycle trips in Padang, Indonesia, across two routes and morning and evening periods. Mean trip-average PM₂.₅ was highest in angkot (29.4 µg m⁻³), followed by BRT (19.4) and motorcycle (18.0). Concentration-time burden showed the same overall ranking (1,137, 751, and 514 µg m⁻³·min), but longer BRT journeys widened the exposure difference relative to motorcycles and produced context-specific reversals in the BRT-motorcycle ordering under some route-period conditions. The motorcycle-angkot contrast remained robust after adjustment for physical sensor assignment, whereas the BRT-angkot contrast attenuated. Peak exposure remained substantially lower in BRT than angkot. Reducing commuter exposure therefore requires both cleaner passenger microenvironments and improvements in travel-time performance.

Urban air pollution remains a critical environmental challenge in rapidly growing Southeast Asian tropical coastal cities. This 5-year air quality monitoring analysis investigates long-term trend patterns and meteorological influences on major air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3) in Padang, Indonesia, using continuous observations from 2019 to 2023. Long-term trend analysis based on the Mann–Kendall test indicates significant increasing trends in combustion-related pollutants, particularly CO (+311.5 µg m⁻3 yr⁻1, p < 0.001) and NO2 (+2.34 µg m⁻3 yr⁻1, p < 0.05), whereas O3 exhibits a significant long-term monotonic decreasing trend (−8.67 µg m⁻3 yr⁻1, p < 0.01), despite seasonal and episodic increases observed during dry and post-pandemic periods. CO and NO2 showed positive associations with high solar radiation and pressure and negative associations with precipitation, indicating pollutant accumulation under hot and dry conditions. Conversely, particulate matter demonstrated weak long-term trends but clear wet-scavenging influences. Seasonal monsoon variability and atmospheric stagnation appear to play important roles in shaping pollutant variability. These findings highlight the importance of integrating meteorological influence into air quality management strategies in tropical coastal cities.

The correction concerns Figure 1 of the published article [...]

Urban transport is a major contributor to particulate matter (PM) pollution, yet information on the spatial distribution of fine and ultrafine particle fractions remains limited in medium-sized tropical cities. This study examines the spatial variability of transport-related particulate matter across eleven urban districts in Padang, Indonesia, using Nano Sampler-based measurements. Size-segregated PM concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, PM1, and PM0.5) were obtained from 24 h sampling campaigns conducted between June and July 2025 at locations selected based on urban density, proximity to major roadways, and land-use characteristics. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis were applied to evaluate spatial patterns and traffic-related influences. The results show pronounced spatial heterogeneity in PM concentrations. Traffic-intensive and mixed-use districts exhibited higher PM levels, particularly for coarse and ultrafine fractions, whereas coastal districts showed lower concentrations due to enhanced atmospheric ventilation. Strong correlations were observed between traffic volume and coarse PM fractions, with moderate associations for fine and ultrafine particles, indicating combined exhaust and non-exhaust emissions. These findings highlight the importance of district-specific mitigation strategies and size-resolved monitoring to support effective urban air-quality management.

Indoor air pollution remains a critical health issue in the rural areas of low- and middle-income countries like Indonesia, where solid fuels are commonly used for cooking. This study assessed real-time indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations in three rural households in Jorong V Botung, West Sumatra, using PurpleAir low-cost sensors (PurpleAir Inc., Draper, UT, USA). Mass concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, along with size-segregated number concentrations (0.3–10 µm), were monitored continuously over six days (30 March–4 April 2024) during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which involves extensive cooking activities. PM2.5 concentrations frequently exceeded 200 µg/m3, with a peak of 249.9 µg/m3 recorded during morning cooking hours. The smallest particle size (0.3–0.5 µm) dominated number concentrations, reaching up to 17,098 particles/dL, while larger particle levels were significantly lower. Strong positive correlations (r > 0.95) were observed among PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and AQI, indicating that cooking emissions substantially contributed to indoor PM levels. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including clean fuel subsidies, improved ventilation, and public awareness efforts. This study contributes critical data on indoor air quality in rural Indonesia and supports broader initiatives to reduce exposure to household air pollution in Southeast Asia.

Coal mining activities often produce acid mine drainage characterized by low pH values below 5 and high concentrations of heavy metals including iron (Fe). If the water is not managed properly, it can impact the environment due to the influence of acidity and high concentrations of dissolved metals. This research aims to utilize the combination of activated limestone and fly ash by heating at 110°C for 3 hours for acid mine drainage treatment, namely neutralizing pH and adsorbing heavy metal Fe. The selection of adsorbent materials was based on economic considerations, abundant availability, and utilization of fly ash waste. The method used was batch adsorption experiments with contact times of 30 and 60 minutes. Acid mine drainage from coal mine with initial pH 4.55 and Fe metal concentration 7.58 mg/L. The adsorbent combination of limestone and fly ash in the ratio of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. From the experimental results, it was obtained that the adsorbent combination was able to neutralize pH up to 6 and remove Fe up to 1.35 mg/L was the ratio of 1:2 with a stirring time of 30 minutes. So it can be concluded that adding fly ash dose 2 times compared to the dose of limestone is more effective to raise the pH value and remove Fe heavy metal, because the higher the dose given, the more ion adsorption sites will be available

Wilayah perkotaan rentan terhadap fenomena urban heat island (UHI). Analisis parameter iklim mikro merupakan salah satu langkah penting untuk memahami dinamika lingkungan di skala lokal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis parameter iklim mikro seperti temperatur, kelembapan, kecepatan angin, intensitas panas cahaya matahari dan intensitas hujan yang diukur selama 5 (lima) hari berturut-turut. Analisis yang dilakukan adalah analisis statistik deskriptif. Analisis pemusatan data variabel suhu dan intensitas cahaya matahari yang tinggi mengakibatkan terjadinya urban heat island di daerah pemukiman karena atap yang digunakan berjenis seng. Seng memiliki kemampuan menyerap panas sehingga meningkatkan suhu pada saat siang hari jika kondisi tidak hujan. Intensitas matahari mulai mencapai puncaknya mulai pukul 09.00WIB hingga pukul 12.00 WIB. Terjadinya hujan dapat menurunkan suhu, intensitas cahaya matahari dan meningkatkan kelembapan sehingga tidak terjadi urban heat island di daerah pemukiman yang dapat mempengaruhi kenyamanan termal. Variabel iklim mikro lainnya seperti kecepatan angin dan curah hujan tidak memberikan dampak karena kecepatan angin tergolong lambat dan curah hujan tergolong sedang. Analisis penyebaran data yang dilihat dari standar deviasi menunjukkan data cendrung homogen. Rentang data yang besar terjadi pada variabel suhu, kelembapan dan intensitas cahaya matahari menunjukkan variasi yang signifikan. Kecepatan angin dan curah hujan memiliki rentang yang kecil dan ini mengindikasikan stabilitas cuaca di lokasi pengamatan pada saat pengukuran. Rata-rata populasi yang diestimasi dengan tingkat kepercayaan 95% nilainya hampir sama dengan rata-rata sampel sehingga menunjukkan bahwa data yang diperoleh mendekati kondisi sebenarnya.

Recurrent flood disasters in West Sumatra threaten the continuity of WSS services and the achievement of SDGs. However, WSS (Water Supply System) resilience frameworks that are adapted to local contexts remain limited. This study evaluated the urban WSS resilience framework by combining the FDM (Fuzzy Delphi Method) and Thematic analysis. FDM was chosen for its strong consensus with a small panel of experts, time and cost efficiency, and ability to capture subtle differences in judgment often missed by conventional statistics. Seventeen experts from Regional-Owned Enterprises (Badan Usaha Milik Daerah, BUMD) for Drinking Water, National Disaster Management Agency, Academics, the Ministry of Public Works, and local governments assessed 12 indicators grouped into four properties (procedural, structural, organizational, and complexity). Additional variables were extracted from expert comments using thematic analysis. The results explained that the properties with the highest consensus were procedural system and structural system (89.71%), followed by organizational framework (88.73%), and system complexity (84.74%), but the organizational framework indicator obtained the highest average level of agreement (90.15%) among the others. The four indicators with the highest agreement were the existence of a flood monitoring and early warning system, flood-resistant infrastructure design and construction, WSS infrastructure protection, and safety culture in organizations. Thematic analysis added ten variables, such as governmental recovery, crisis regulation and legislation implementation, and governance and policy transformation, which highlight the important role of central and local governments in enhancing resilience. This study provides recommendations to Drinking water BUMD in enhancing its resilience through a procedural system by preparing and implementing WSP (Water safety plan) and integrating its system into an EWS (Early warning system). Central and local governments, which hold mandatory responsibilities in WSS provision, can strengthen policies and strategies for risk management. This can be achieved through crisis regulation, legislation implementation, and governance and policy transformation.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of the main air pollutants that has a significant impact on human health and the environment, especially in areas with intensive industrial, mining, and transportation activities. South Sumatra Province as one of the provinces with quite massive industrial and mining activities, is a strategic area to study the spatial dynamics of SO2 concentration. This study pioneers the use of Sentinel-5P satellite remote sensing for high resolution spatio analysis of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) at the provincial level in Indonesia. Focusing in South Sumatra from 2021–2024, we quantified SO₂ dynamics across 17 regencies/cities. Results identified significant concentration SO2 in urban and industrial areas such as Palembang, Prabumulih, and Muara Enim, while agrarian areas such as North Musi Rawas and South OKU showed lower and more stable concentrations. Analysis revealed clear seasonal patterns, with dry seasons exhibiting elevated concentrations due to reduced atmospheric dispersion, and further linked fluctuations to post-pandemic economic recovery and land-use changes. Our findings demonstrate the critical value of Sentinel-5P as a tool for actionable air quality governance in Indonesia and underscore the importance of complementing satellite data with ground measurements for robust environmental policy.

The cement industry is one of the strategic industries that has positive and negative impacts. One of the negative impacts is noise pollution. This research aimed to compare the sound pressure level (SPL) to the standard, analyzed the meteorological influence on SPL, and conducted noise level mapping. The noise measurement according to SNI 7231 of 2009. The SPL data was collected by using a Sound Level Meter at 36 points. Additionally, questionnaires were distributed to workers at the PT Semen Padang Teluk Bayur Packing Plant Unit. Measurement of noise used the grid method with sampling points spaced 20-40 meters apart, then analyzed the correlation and influence of meteorological on SPL, and noise mapping with Surfer 27. The results showed that the highest SPL came from the compressor engine at 85.7 dBA, and the lowest SPL was in the office area at 58.1 dBA. The SPL in this study was influenced by meteorological conditions such as temperature, air humidity, wind speed, and air pressure. There was a correlation between temperature and SPL with a value (r) of 0.9936 (very strong) and a correlation between air humidity and SPL with a value (r) of 0.9962 (very strong).

This study examines the spatial and temporal distribution of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 concentrations in Padang City, Indonesia, focusing on the impact of motor vehicle emissions. Measurements were conducted at distances ranging from 5 m to 100 m from major roadways and at different times of the day to evaluate the effects of traffic patterns and meteorological conditions on air quality. The findings revealed that Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations are significantly higher near roads, with PM10 peaking at over 55 μg/m³ in the afternoon at 5 m from the roadway. Similarly, PM2.5 and PM1 also reach the maximum levels of 45 μg/m³ and 35 μg/m³, respectively, during peak traffic hours. While meteorological factors, such as temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and pressure, exhibit weak correlations with the PM levels, traffic volume emerges as the primary contributor to air pollution. These results underscore the need for effective traffic management and emission reduction strategies to mitigate pollution and protect public health. The current study’s recommendations include enhancing roadside air quality monitoring, and conducting further research on seasonal variations and the specific contributions of different vehicle types to PM pollution dynamics.

This study reviews particulate matter (PM) research in Indonesia, focusing on current trends, health impacts, challenges, and future research directions. As the largest archipelago country, Indonesia faces severe pollution annually due to rapid urbanization, industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and forest fires. PM levels often exceed WHO and NAAQS standards, especially in urban areas and during forest fire seasons, posing significant health risks to vulnerable populations. Most PM studies have been conducted in major cities, primarily concentrated on Java Island. While there are several studies in Sumatra and Borneo, they commonly focus on the effects of peatland fires, and research in the eastern part of Indonesia remains limited. Substantial gaps in PM studies have been highlighted, including limited monitoring infrastructure, technology, data inconsistencies, and socio-economic challenges. Recent studies emphasize the need for more research on size-segregated PM, including ultrafine particles (UFPs), to fully understand their behavior in the atmosphere, sources, distribution, and health impacts. Chemical analysis and source apportionment studies are also crucial but currently limited due to equipment and analytical challenges. To improve PM management, the study proposes strategic options, including adopting advanced monitoring technologies along with low-cost samplers, increasing funding and technical training, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, and fostering international collaboration. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns and community-based monitoring are essential for effective air quality management.

This study investigated the anomalous seasonal variations in particulate matter (PM) concentrations—specifically PM2.5 and PM10—in Padang City, Indonesia, situated within the Equatorial climate zone. A one-year dataset of half-hourly PM measurements from January to December 2023, collected by the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) managed by the Environmental Agency of West Sumatra (DLH), was utilized. Maps of hotspots and air mass backward trajectories were used to identify possible transboundary emissions affecting Padang City. Despite the region experiencing nearly continuous rainfall, significant elevations in PM levels were observed during the typically drier months of August to October. Specifically, PM2.5 levels peaked at 36.57 µg/m3 and PM10 at 39.58 µg/m3 in October, significantly higher than in other months and indicating a substantial deviation from the typical expectations for equatorial climates. These results suggest that the high PM concentrations are not solely due to local urban emissions or normal seasonal variations but are also significantly influenced by transboundary smoke from peatland fires and agricultural burning in neighboring provinces such as Bengkulu, Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra. Backward trajectory analysis further confirmed the substantial impact of regional activities on degradation of air quality in Padang City. The study underscores the need for integrated air quality management that includes both local and transboundary pollution sources. Enhanced monitoring, public engagement, and inter-regional collaboration are emphasized as crucial strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of PM pollution in equatorial regions like Padang City.

Lake Diatas is a tropical lake surrounded by agricultural land prone to pollution. A multivariate approach to lake water quality will be useful for lake management. The study's objectives are to describe fertiliser use by farmers around the lake, the lake's quality and trophic state spatially, and to use a multivariate approach to lake water quality. The results of a survey showed that most farmers use synthetic fertilisers because of low fertility soil, with self-estimated doses applied. The levels of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and Secchi depth (SD) marginally exceeded the regulatory standard. However, the trophic status of the lake indicates an intermediate level of nutrients. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the presence of two main factors with a variance of 85.46% – which showed the important drivers for lake water quality is mainly affected by agricultural activities around the lake. Cluster analysis showed three groups with the same water quality characteristics: the first group consists of locations with higher sulphate levels, the second with low SD, and the third with higher levels of TN and TP. Clearly, agricultural activities affect lake water quality and management regarding land use around the lake is important to prevent pollution.

Kampung Sarasah sebagai kampung tematik memiliki potensi ekonomi berupa kegiatan budidaya ikan hias air tawar sejak tahun 2020. Ketidaktersediaan sistem penyediaan air bersih menjadi salah satu faktor penghambat tumbuh dan kembangnya kawasan tersebut, oleh sebab itu diperlukan suatu kajian awal terhadap rencana penyediaan air bersih kawasan dalam bentuk preliminary design. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan sosialisasi deskripsi dari rencana teknis penyediaan air bersih di kawasan Kampung Sarasah, Kota Padang. Kegiatan Preliminary design sistem penyediaan air bersih ini dilaksanakan di Kampung Sarasah Kelurahan Bungus Timur Kecamatan Bungus Teluk Kabung, Kota Padang. Metode preliminary design sistem penyediaan air bersih Kampung Sarasah dilakukan dengan beberapa tahapan pokok, yaitu survei kondisi masyarakat dan pemetaan kawasan Kampung Serasah, observasi, sosialisasi, dan pengukuran lapangan dengan menggunakan alat global positioning system (GPS) serta pemanfaatan aplikasi google earth untuk pemilihan rencana jalur pipa transmisi dan distribusi rencana sistem penyediaan air bersih kawasan. Preliminary design sistem penyediaan air bersih Kampung Sarasah yaitu kapasitas instalasi pengolahan air bersih kawasan adalah 1,0 L/detik dengan unit koagulasi-flokulasi, unit sedimentasi, unit filtrasi dan unit desinfeksi. Kapasitas jaringan pipa distribusi utama kawasan 1,2 L/detik menggunakan pipa jenis HDPE diameter 2 inch dengan panjang sekitar 1,7 km. Estimasi biaya SPAB Kampung Tematik Serasah berbasis pemberdayaan masyarakat, tidak termasuk pengadaan dan pekerjaan IPA dan Reservoar 15 mᶾ adalah sebesar Rp. 144.050.400. Saran setelah rancangan dari hasil preliminary design dari SPAB Kampung Serasah ini, perlu ditindaklanjuti dengan detail engineering design untuk mendukung kelancaran pembangunan SPAB Kampung Serasah.

This research aims to analyze the concentration of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5)around PT Semen Padang and recommendations for planting PM2.5 reducing plants in Unand Housing Block B, Ulu Gadut, Padang City.Sampling was carried out with EPAM-5000 HAZ-DUST and LVAS 4 times over 24 hours at 4 sampling point locations.The PM2.5 measurement results using the EPAM-5000 were in the range 37,875-45.50μg/m 3 while using LVAS were in the range 38,127-45,745 μg/m 3 .Based on the t-test, there is no significant difference in the results of measuring PM2.5 using both tools with p-value > 0.05.The highest concentration of PM2.5 was at the Dian Andalas School area.PM2.5 concentration is below the quality standard according to PP RI Number 22 of 2021.Correlation analysis of PM2.5 concentration with meteorological conditions shows a inverse relationship, with negative correlation coefficient value in the range (-0.90481)-(-0.93514)which is shows that the relationship is very strong.The results of a questionnaire to identify public health effects showed 27% of people had respiratory diseases such as asthma, throat irritation, headaches, and others.The recommended plant selected in this research is the Cemara Kipas with ecological criteria evaluation results of 66.7%.

The purpose of this research was to identify sources of pollution and analyze the level of pollution for the parameters of TSP (Dust), particulates, NO2, and SO2 and to map their distribution. The research was conducted at 9 (nine) palm oil mills spread throughout West Pasaman Regency. The data used are primary and secondary data. The primary data includes particulates, TSP, SO2, and NO2 gases. Secondary data consists of test results data at the Environmental Service in 2017, morphological data, and factory location maps. Data processing methods include statistical analysis of Shapiro Wilk. Then proceed with descriptive analysis to determine the characteristics of the range of minimum and maximum values of air pollution distribution. Spatial analysis of the overlay type was carried out using a GIS application. Particulate, TSP, NO2 and SO2 test results at each location have met the required air quality standards. mapping the distribution of air pollutants for the parameters TSP (Dust), NO2 and SO2 with the direction of their spread according to the wind direction. Comparison with the latest regulations, namely PP Number 22 of 2021 Appendix VII, shows that the test results are still below the set quality standards. With the test values obtained and the meteorological factors in each company, it shows that there is no significant effect of pollutant content from sources of pollution on the environment around the palm oil mills.

Batu Ampar Port is the largest loading and unloading port of the three existing loading and unloading port facilities in Batam and the largest port for manufactured goods used by companies to supply the industrial sector in Batam. In addition to having a positive impact, the Batu Ampar port also has a negative impact in the form of a decrease in environmental quality, especially the noise level generated by activities in the Batu Ampar Port area. In this study the noise sampling process used the Svantek tool, sampling was carried out for 24 hours with a time limit of 24 intervals, then sampling was carried out for 10 minutes at each time interval. The research results obtained were that from all sampling points the highest noise was in the East Pier area of 70 – 78.5 dB(A) at 08:00 – 23:00 WIB. While the area with the lowest noise level is in the BPJS flat area of 54.7 – 73.5 dB(A) at 06:00 – 05:00 WIB. It can be concluded that many of the noise values obtained exceed the quality standards in accordance with Kepmen LH No. 48 of 1996. This was due to several factors, namely loading and uploading of very dense containers which resulted in more and more work activities. Noise elimination measures in the Batu Ampar port area are important to do considering the results of noise measurements still exceed the quality standards, Barriers are one of the technologies that can be applied to reduce noise in the Batu Ampar port, Batam, both natural and artificial barriers, so the Batu Ampar port noise problem can be solved.