Friday, 23 October 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Medan City Government has stepped up air quality monitoring through its environmental agency after transboundary haze was carried by the wind into North Sumatra. Data from the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, showed that air quality around Jalan Pinang Baris in Medan Sunggal district had been classified as unhealthy. The Air Pollution Standard Index (Indeks Standar Pencemar Udara, ISPU) reached 136 at the location.
Meanwhile, air quality around Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution in Medan Johor district was classified as moderate, with an ISPU reading of 83. The contrasting figures indicate that air quality varies across Medan, highlighting the importance of residents checking the latest air quality information before undertaking outdoor activities.
The AQMS readings, recorded at 7 am Western Indonesia Time (WIB), have prompted the city administration to increase its vigilance. Rising air pollution can affect public health, particularly among people who are more sensitive to exposure to airborne pollutants.
Melvi Marlabayana, head of the Medan City Environmental Agency, said her office would continue monitoring air quality amid changing atmospheric conditions. The situation has been attributed to haze drifting in from other areas of Sumatra.
The monitoring system enables the city administration to assess air conditions at different locations and inform the public about potential health risks associated with air pollution. The data also provide a basis for strengthening precautionary measures when pollutant concentrations change.
At Jalan Pinang Baris, monitoring equipment recorded PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant, with an index reading of 136. The measurements also recorded PM10 at 84 and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) at 58.
At Jalan Jenderal Besar A. H. Nasution, PM10 was the predominant pollutant, with a reading of 83. The differences in readings and pollutant types between the two locations underline the importance of monitoring air quality at multiple points to obtain a more comprehensive picture of conditions across Medan.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. Because of their small size, these particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. PM10 comprises particles measuring up to 10 micrometres in diameter, which can also affect the respiratory system.
Melvi explained that the transboundary haze had originated in other parts of Sumatra. Winds had carried the smoke into several areas, including North Sumatra. The situation was linked to forest and land fires in various parts of the island and was also influenced by weather conditions and wind patterns.
The movement of haze across regional boundaries demonstrates that deteriorating air quality is not necessarily caused by activities in the area where pollution is detected. Smoke from fires can be carried by the wind into other regions, affecting local atmospheric conditions. Key factors include wind direction, wind speed and prevailing weather conditions.
Air quality monitoring is therefore an important step in assessing the population's exposure to pollutants. The information also helps residents adjust their daily activities to reflect measured air conditions.
The Medan City Environmental Agency also explained the significance of the colour-coded air quality categories. The blue zone represents air conditions considered acceptable for the health of people, animals and plants, while the yellow zone indicates air quality that may pose a health risk.
Residents should understand these indicators so they can recognise changes in air quality promptly and take appropriate precautions. In addition to checking the colour displayed on monitoring systems, they should pay attention to ISPU readings and official information issued by the relevant authorities.
In response to the current situation, Melvi urged residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly when the air becomes heavily hazy or visibility decreases. She also recommended wearing suitable protective masks that meet applicable standards whenever going outdoors is unavoidable.
The advice is intended to reduce exposure to airborne pollutants, particularly fine particles that can enter the respiratory tract. People who work outdoors, attend school or need to travel should check air quality before setting out and minimise their exposure whenever conditions deteriorate.
Extra caution is necessary when monitoring readings indicate increasing air pollution. Children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions require particular attention because they may be more vulnerable to the health effects of polluted air.
Alongside wearing appropriate protective masks, residents should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when air quality is poor. They should also follow the latest announcements from the city administration and the relevant air quality monitoring stations to stay informed about conditions in their neighbourhoods.
The Medan City Government, through its environmental agency, will continue monitoring air quality amid the spread of transboundary haze. Measurements from the two monitoring locations show that residents need to remain vigilant, particularly in Pinang Baris, where an ISPU reading of 136 placed air quality in the unhealthy category.
Air quality trends must continue to be monitored closely as wind direction and weather conditions may change. By following official information and limiting exposure to airborne pollutants, residents can take appropriate protective measures while haze continues to affect air quality in Medan. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
