inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vice Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono highlighted the urgency of integrating air quality and health data to create an early warning system capable of protecting the public from the threat of pollution.

"This step is crucial as the issue of air pollution is a strategic cross-sectoral issue closely related to energy, the environment, and overall national development," explained Dante on Monday (5/18/2026).

He highlighted World Health Organization findings that nine out of ten people are now exposed to air pollution every day, which can significantly disrupt child growth and development and even trigger lung and cardiovascular infections in adults.

In this regard, he emphasized the need to strengthen all pillars to prioritize preventing exposure to air pollution, while ensuring the health system is ready to provide services to address the resulting health impacts.

However, Dante highlighted that to date, there is no integrated data system linking air quality and health.

"Even more tragically, diseases directly related to air pollution are not yet included in BPJS claims. We must pay close attention to this," noted Dante.

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