North Sumatra's Air Quality This Morning (12/1) Worst in Indonesia

Air quality in North Sumatra this morning is the worst in Indonesia. According to the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) page of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) on Monday (12/1/2026) at 08:00 AM WIB, the air quality index in North Sumatra was 84272.

According to the Directorate of Air Pollution Control of KLHK, ISPU is a unitless number used to describe ambient air quality conditions at a certain location, based on its impact 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. Air pollutant parameter measurements are spread across 72 stations in various regions.

(Read: Many Forest and Land Fires in Concession Areas, Especially Palm Oil Concessions)

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

Furthermore, very unhealthy air quality in the range of 201-300 can increase health risks for sensitive groups. Meanwhile, hazardous air quality in the range of over 300 can seriously harm health and requires quick handling.

Below North Sumatra, West Java occupies the second worst position in Indonesia with an air quality index of 582. Then, in third place is South Sumatra with an air quality index of 101.

This means that North Sumatra and West Java have hazardous air quality.

Here is the list of the 10 provinces with the worst air quality index in Indonesia on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 08:00 AM WIB.

1. Sumatera Utara: 84272

2. Jawa Barat: 582

3. Sumatera Selatan: 101

4. Riau: 96

5. Banten: 95

6. Jambi: 94

7. Sumatera Barat: 87

8. Suamtera Utara: 79

9. Lampung: 74

10. Kalimantan Timur: 72

(Read: Many Forest and Land Fires in Concession Areas, Especially Palm Oil Concessions)