The intersection of climate change and health in Indonesia is becoming increasingly urgent. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, flooding, drought, and worsening air pollution are no longer isolated environmental concerns. They are actively reshaping disease patterns, increasing health system pressure, and amplifying vulnerability among low-income communities. Insights drawn from the CARES in Action report highlight how climate-related shocks are intensifying infectious and non-communicable diseases across the country
Understanding climate change and health in Indonesia requires recognizing that environmental risks now directly influence disease transmission, nutrition security, and community resilience. The country’s dual burden of climate stress and public health challenges demands an integrated response.
Climate Change and the Public Health Crisis in Indonesia
Climate change and health in Indonesia are deeply interconnected. Indonesia is among the most disaster-prone countries globally, with floods accounting for nearly half of all natural disasters between 1980 and 2020.These disasters damage infrastructure, disrupt healthcare delivery, and reduce access to clean water.
The impacts extend beyond immediate injuries. Climate-induced crop failure increases food insecurity, which weakens immunity and heightens disease susceptibility. Air pollution linked to environmental change worsens respiratory conditions. Repeated climate shocks also contribute to mental health stress and long-term socioeconomic instability.
Despite national climate adaptation plans, health adaptation remains under-integrated into environmental frameworks. This policy fragmentation limits Indonesia’s ability to anticipate and mitigate emerging health risks linked to climate variability
Climate-Sensitive Diseases Indonesia Must Address
A critical dimension of climate change and health in Indonesia is the rise of climate-sensitive diseases. Indonesia faces a significant tuberculosis (TB) burden, and TB is now recognized as one of the climate-sensitive diseases Indonesia must address strategically
Globally, 10.8 million people developed TB in 2023. Indonesia ranks second worldwide in TB burden, with 969,000 reported cases in 2021 and a significant proportion of cases remaining undiagnosed.
Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, air quality, and flooding influence TB transmission patterns. Urban centers like Jabodetabek illustrate how climate-sensitive diseases in Indonesia are amplified by overcrowding, poor ventilation, and pollution.Flood-related displacement and sanitation breakdowns further increase vulnerability.
Beyond TB, climate-sensitive diseases Indonesia must prepare for include vector-borne infections and respiratory illnesses. Without climate-informed disease surveillance, these health risks may escalate.
Strengthening Systems to Address Climate Change and Health in Indonesia
Addressing climate change and health in Indonesia requires systemic integration. The report highlights the absence of a unified framework connecting climate resilience and public health systems
Key barriers include:
- Fragmented policy mandates between health and environmental agencies
- Limited climate financing for community health systems
- Weak climate–health data integration
- Insufficient coordination between research institutions and frontline health workers
Community health workers are central to responding to climate-sensitive diseases Indonesia faces, yet they often lack training and institutional support for climate risk management.Many are women, making gender-responsive approaches essential for strengthening resilience.
To effectively respond to climate change and health in Indonesia, the country must establish an integrated climate–health framework, improve surveillance systems, invest in community-based resilience, and embed cross-sector collaboration into national planning
Conclusion
The state of climate change and health in Indonesia signals a structural challenge that cannot be addressed through siloed policies. Climate-sensitive diseases Indonesia confronts, including TB, demonstrate how environmental stressors and health vulnerabilities are intertwined.
Without integration, risks will compound. With coordinated governance, data alignment, and community empowerment, Indonesia can transform its approach to climate change and health into one that is resilient, adaptive, and equitable.
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