MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Air quality in the Indonesian city of Medan has deteriorated due to air pollution and smoke haze. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reached 116.3 micrograms per cubic metre on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, exceeding the national ambient air quality limit. In response, the Chairman of the Medan City Council, Drs Wong Chun Sen Tarigan, M.Pd.B., has urged residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
Wong Chun Sen issued the appeal on Thursday, 15 October 2026. He urged the public to exercise particular caution while smoke haze persists over several areas and to prioritise their health. This is especially important for vulnerable groups, who may be more severely affected by air pollution.
According to Wong Chun Sen, forest and land fires in several parts of Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, are also affecting air quality in other areas. Medan is among the cities experiencing the impact.
"The effects of the fires are also affecting air quality in Medan. Residents must therefore remain particularly vigilant and temporarily reduce their outdoor activities," Wong Chun Sen said on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
He also reminded residents to support their immune systems by maintaining a balanced diet and drinking sufficient water. People should remain alert to potential health problems caused by exposure to air pollutants, particularly when spending time outdoors.
"Anyone experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, eye irritation or increasingly severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately at a community health centre or another nearby healthcare facility," he said.
PM2.5 Levels Exceed National Air Quality Limit
Surya, acting head of the Medan City Health Office, explained that the PM2.5 concentration of 116.3 micrograms per cubic metre was significantly above the national ambient air quality limit of 55 micrograms per cubic metre. The relevant provision is set out in Annex VII of Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021.
PM2.5 refers to extremely fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Exposure to these particles poses health risks, particularly when people breathe polluted air over an extended period and air quality continues to deteriorate.
Residents should be aware that air pollution is not always visible to the naked eye. Fine particles can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled while people are outdoors. Wearing suitable masks, limiting outdoor activities and regularly checking air quality data are therefore important preventive measures.
Surya stressed that children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions require particular protection. These groups should minimise their exposure to polluted air and remain especially alert to any signs of illness.
"In several other areas of North Sumatra Province, air quality is also in the moderate to unhealthy range. Some regions continue to be affected by smoke haze," he said.
These findings indicate that air pollution is not confined to individual areas of Medan. The spread of smoke haze and deteriorating air quality across various regions can disrupt daily life and increase the need for health protection measures.
PROTECTING HEALTH AND SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION: Medan City Council Chairman Wong Chun Sen Tarigan reminds residents to take care of their health, maintain a balanced diet and seek prompt medical attention if they experience health problems potentially caused by air pollution. (PHOTO: Archive)
Recognising Symptoms and Reducing Exposure to Smoke
The Medan City Government has urged residents to take appropriate protective measures whenever air quality deteriorates. Outdoor activities should be restricted, particularly strenuous physical exercise, which increases breathing rates and the amount of air inhaled into the lungs.
Anyone who needs to leave home should wear a suitable mask to reduce exposure to fine particles. After spending time outdoors, residents should also maintain personal hygiene, drink enough fluids and eat a balanced diet to support their overall health.
People should pay particular attention to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and eye irritation. If these symptoms occur or worsen, those affected should seek medical attention without delay at a community health centre or another nearby healthcare facility. People with existing respiratory conditions should also follow the advice of healthcare professionals and avoid ignoring any deterioration in their symptoms.
Regular air quality monitoring is also important, enabling residents to adjust their daily activities according to prevailing environmental conditions. Reliable information about pollution levels can help people determine when to limit time outdoors and take additional protective measures.
The worsening air quality in Medan is a reminder that the consequences of forest and land fires extend beyond the areas directly affected by the flames. Smoke can also degrade air quality in other regions and pose health risks to people who have no direct contact with the fires themselves.
Public awareness, clear communication and action by the relevant authorities are essential to limiting the impact of air pollution. Until conditions improve, residents should prioritise their health, reduce their exposure to smoke and seek medical assistance promptly if they experience breathing difficulties or other concerning symptoms. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala