Several major Indonesian cities, including Pekanbaru and Surabaya, are experiencing dangerously high levels of extreme heat and humidity, ranking among the worst globally. This escalating condition signals a growing threat to urban areas across the archipelago due to the impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of “wet-bulb temperature” – a measure combining heat and humidity – poses significant risks to human health, potentially leading to heatstroke and other severe complications. Experts warn that these conditions are becoming more common and intense, exceeding thresholds considered safe for human activity. The situation highlights Indonesia’s vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation strategies. Authorities are urged to implement measures to protect vulnerable populations and address the underlying causes of rising temperatures and humidity. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences of this trend.
