North Sumatra Most Polluted in Indonesia This Morning (20/12)

Air quality in North Sumatra this morning is the worst in Indonesia. Based on the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) page of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) on Saturday (20/12/2025) at 08:00 AM WIB, it was revealed that the air quality index in North Sumatra was 602.

According to the Directorate of Air Pollution Control KLHK, ISPU is a dimensionless number used to describe ambient air quality conditions at a certain location and is based on impacts on human health, aesthetic value, and other living things.

ISPU calculation is based on the measurement results of seven air pollutant parameters, namely PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, and HC. Measurements of these air pollutant parameters are spread across 72 stations in various regions.

(Read: Number of Natural Disaster Fatalities in Indonesia Soared in 2024)

Based on KLHK Regulation No. 14 of 2020 concerning the Air Pollution Standard Index, ISPU in the range of 0-50 indicates good air quality, 51-100 means moderate air quality, and 101-200 means unhealthy air quality which is detrimental to humans, animals, and plants.

Furthermore, very unhealthy air quality in the range of 201-300 can increase health risks in sensitive groups. Meanwhile, hazardous air quality in the range of more than 300 can seriously harm health and requires prompt action.

Below North Sumatra, South Sumatra ranks second worst in Indonesia with an air quality index of 101. Then, in third place is Riau with an air quality index of 97.

This means North Sumatra has hazardous air quality.

Here is a list of the 10 provinces with the worst air quality index in Indonesia on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 08:00 AM WIB.

1. North Sumatra: 602

2. South Sumatra: 101

3. Riau: 97

4. Banten: 95

5. Jambi: 92

6. Aceh: 88

7. North Sumatra: 85

8. Central Kalimantan: 82

9. East Java: 76

10. East Kalimantan: 74

(Read: Number of Natural Disaster Fatalities in Indonesia Soared in 2024)