Climate Crisis Intensifies Extreme Heat Illness Risks in Indonesia

Indonesia is facing a significant rise in dangerous hot and humid days due to climate change, escalating the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. This trend serves as a stark warning that the impacts of climate change are no longer confined to the environment but are directly threatening public health.

A recent report by Climate Central, "Global Analysis: Dangerous Humid Heat Rising Due to Climate Change," reveals that the number of dangerous hot and humid days in Indonesia surged from an average of 82 days in the 1970s to 174 days between 2016 and 2025. Alarmingly, 118 of these days, or 68 percent, were directly linked to climate change. Globally, the report indicates that dangerous hot and humid days have more than doubled since the 1970s, with 78 percent of the 23 extreme days recorded between 2016-2025 influenced by climate change.

Kaitlyn Trudeau, a Climate Central Applied Climate Scientist, stated that these findings demonstrate how climate change is tangibly altering the planet. "These findings show how significantly climate change is altering our planet. Dangerous humid heat has shifted from being an extraordinary event to a daily reality in some areas," she said. Climate Central defines dangerous humid heat using a wet-bulb temperature threshold of 25 degrees Celsius or higher. At this level, the body's ability to cool itself through sweat evaporation diminishes, increasing risks of dehydration, respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Within Indonesia, ten cities are among the top 50 globally for the highest number of extreme hot and humid days during 2016-2025. Pekanbaru recorded the highest with 353 days, followed by Medan with 342, and Surabaya with 313. Jakarta, South Tangerang, and Tangerang experienced 210 extreme hot and humid days attributed to climate change, accounting for about 72 percent of the total 290 extreme hot days in those areas. Bondan Andriyanu, Manager of Outreach and Advocacy at CERAH, stressed that these findings demand serious government attention as they directly impact public safety. "These events are a reminder that the risks of extreme heat are real and pose a significant threat to life, especially for those working outdoors. In large cities like Jakarta, this threat is amplified as people are also exposed to air pollution," Bondan stated. He emphasized that reducing emissions from fossil fuel combustion is crucial not only for controlling climate change but also for protecting public health.