--- title: "Air quality and haze in Indonesia: what ISPU means, masks and protecting your family" canonical: https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/air-quality-and-haze/ language: en category: "Emergencies & environment" reviewed: 2026-10-14 modified: 2026-10-14 publisher: "Panduan Warga (independent; not a government website)" reviewed-by: "Kaiser Khan (https://panduanwarga.org/en/about/kaiser-khan/)" --- # Air quality and haze in Indonesia: what ISPU means, masks and protecting your family **What do ISPU readings mean, and how do I protect my family during haze?** ISPU (the Air Pollutant Standard Index) is a unitless number showing air quality: 0–50 Good, 51–100 Moderate, 101–200 Unhealthy, 201–300 Very Unhealthy and 301 or above Hazardous. Above 100, cut down on outdoor activity; above 200, stay indoors as much as possible, especially children, older people, pregnant women and anyone with asthma, lung disease or heart disease. If you have to go out, wear a respirator mask such as an N95 or KN95 that seals over your nose and mouth, and check the official reading on the Ministry of Environment’s ISPU portal. ## What to have ready - A phone to check the ISPU portal (ispu.kemenlh.go.id) and the Info BMKG app. - Well-fitting N95, KN95 or FFP2 respirator masks for family members who must go outside. - A room whose doors and windows close tightly and, if you have one, an air purifier. - Regular medicines and your doctor’s instructions for anyone with asthma, lung disease or heart disease. - The numbers of the nearest community health centre (puskesmas) and hospital, plus 119 for medical emergencies. ## How to protect yourself from haze 1. **Check the ISPU where you are.** Open the ISPU portal at ispu.kemenlh.go.id and choose the nearest monitoring station. ISPU is calculated every hour; PM2.5 (very fine dust particles, the main pollutant in fire smoke) is published hourly. The parameter with the highest value is called the critical pollutant and sets the category. 2. **Understand the category and its advice.** Match the number to the table below. From Unhealthy (101–200) upwards, everyone should cut down on long physical activity outdoors; at Very Unhealthy (201–300) and Hazardous (301 or above), sensitive groups should stay indoors. 3. **Protect vulnerable people.** Children, older people, pregnant women and anyone with asthma, lung disease or heart disease are most at risk. The Ministry of Health says children are the most vulnerable because their lungs are still developing. When air is Very Unhealthy, the Ministry of Environment asks these groups not to be active outdoors. 4. **Wear the right mask if you must go out.** Wear a respirator such as an N95 or KN95 (equivalent to FFP2) that seals over your nose and mouth. A loose mask lets smoke in through the gaps. In hot weather masks add strain when you exert yourself, so move slowly and take frequent breaks. 5. **Keep the air inside clean.** Close doors and windows to keep smoky outdoor air out, and use an air purifier indoors if you have one. Choose the most airtight room for children, older relatives or anyone who is ill. 6. **Know the danger signs and get help early.** Go to a puskesmas or hospital straight away if someone develops shortness of breath, a cough that will not stop, chest pain or severe eye irritation; do not wait for it to get worse. In an emergency, call 119. ## Cost of checking air quality Free. The Ministry of Environment’s ISPU portal, BMKG’s PM2.5 data and forest and land fire warnings, and the SiPongi+ hotspot map cost nothing to use. Your only likely costs are respirator masks or an air purifier. ISPU categories under Environment and Forestry Ministry Regulation P.14/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/7/2020 and the advice on the Ministry of Environment/BPLH ISPU portal, checked 14 October 2026. Sensitive groups include children, older people, pregnant women and people with asthma, lung disease or heart disease. | Category | ISPU range | Meaning | Sensitive groups | Everyone | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Good (Baik) | 0–50 | Very good air quality with no harmful effect on people, animals or plants. | Very good for outdoor activities. | Very good for outdoor activities. | | Moderate (Sedang) | 51–100 | Air quality is still acceptable for human, animal and plant health. | Cut down on long or strenuous physical activity. | You can still be active outdoors. | | Unhealthy (Tidak Sehat) | 101–200 | Air quality is harmful to people, animals and plants. | You may go out for light activity with more frequent breaks; watch for coughing or breathlessness. People with asthma should follow their doctor’s advice and carry their medicine; people with heart disease should watch for palpitations, breathlessness or unusual tiredness. | Cut down on long physical activity outdoors. | | Very Unhealthy (Sangat Tidak Sehat) | 201–300 | Raises the health risk for some groups who are exposed. | Avoid all outdoor activity; move it indoors or reschedule. | Avoid long physical activity outdoors and consider staying active indoors. | | Hazardous (Berbahaya) | 301 or above | Can seriously harm health and needs rapid action. | Stay indoors and keep activity to a minimum. | Avoid all outdoor activity. | Local governments use the official ISPU as the basis for decisions such as moving schools to remote learning. So for school and work decisions, follow the official ISPU and your local government’s announcements. ## What ISPU is and who runs it ISPU is set by Environment and Forestry Ministry Regulation P.14/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/7/2020, which replaced Environment Minister Decree KEP-45/MENLH/10/1997. It is calculated from seven parameters: PM10 and PM2.5 particles, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3) and hydrocarbons (HC). It is calculated every hour from monitoring stations that run 24 hours a day. PM2.5 results must be published hourly and other parameters at least twice a day, and when ISPU is Unhealthy or worse, all parameters are published every hour. The ISPU portal is now run by the Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH). In haze from forest and land fires, the main pollutant is usually PM2.5. The ISPU portal describes PM2.5 as very fine particles that can reach the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs, with effects including heart and lung disease and stroke. - [KLH/BPLH ISPU portal](https://ispu.kemenlh.go.id/app/) - [Regulation P.14/2020 on the Air Pollutant Standard Index (State Gazette 2020 No. 774)](https://peraturan.go.id/files/bn774-2020.pdf) ## Who is most at risk and the danger signs According to the Ministry of Health, PM2.5 exposure from fire smoke can cause eye irritation, an itchy throat and breathlessness, and can worsen chronic lung disease. Vulnerable groups are children, pregnant women, older people and people with a history of asthma, lung disease or other underlying conditions. Children are most at risk because their lungs and thinking skills are still developing. Anyone who starts to have shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain or severe eye irritation is urged to go to the nearest puskesmas or hospital before their condition worsens. People with heart disease should watch for palpitations, breathlessness or unusual tiredness. In an emergency, call 119. - [Ministry of Health: wear masks and monitor air quality during fire haze](https://kemkes.go.id/id/menkes-pakai-masker-dan-pantau-kualitas-udara-untuk-cegah-dampak-asap-karhutla) - [Ministry of Health: protecting vulnerable groups during forest fires](https://kemkes.go.id/id/kemenkes-perkuat-perlindungan-kelompok-rentan-hadapi-karhutla) ## Masks and air at home The Ministry of Environment asks people who must be outdoors when ISPU is Very Unhealthy to always wear an N95 or KN95 mask, and the Ministry of Health recommends respirators such as the N95. WHO also advises a well-fitting FFP2 or N95 mask that covers both nose and mouth. A mask only works if there are no gaps around the edges. At home, the Ministry of Health advises sealing off outdoor air and using an air purifier indoors. WHO advises staying indoors with doors and windows shut unless you have been told to evacuate. Cut down on unnecessary journeys. - [KLH: advice when ISPU is Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy](https://kemenlh.go.id/news/detail/menteri-lh-terapkan-upaya-mitigasi-pemantauan-intensif-hingga-penegakan-hukum-serius-dilakukan) - [WHO Europe: public health advice during wildfires](https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/public-health-advice-during-the-wildfires--how-to-protect-your-health-and-keep-safe) ## School, work and driving in haze In affected areas, local governments can move schools to remote or online learning (PJJ) based on ISPU readings, through circulars from the regional head or education office. Follow official announcements from your local government and school, not chain messages. The Ministry of Environment has also asked local governments, schools, offices and public facilities to provide safe indoor spaces when air is unhealthy. When driving in smoke or fog, the traffic police (Korlantas Polri) advise switching on your headlights or fog lights and slowing down, not using hazard lights. Hazard lights are only for vehicles stopped or parked in an emergency (Article 121(1) of Law 22/2009), and if you switch them on while moving your indicators stop working. Keep a gap of 4–6 seconds from the vehicle in front. WHO adds: keep the windows closed and set the air conditioning to recirculate. - [Korlantas Polri: when hazard lights may be used](https://korlantas.polri.go.id/2026-05-16-kapan-lampu-hazard-boleh-digunakan-simak-penjelasan-dan-aturannya/) - [Korlantas Polri: a 4–6 second gap in bad weather](https://korlantas.polri.go.id/2026-05-03-jaga-jarak-aman-berkendara-terapkan-rumus-3-detik/) - [Example of remote learning based on ISPU: Jambi City Government](https://jambikota.go.id/berita/ispu-masih-tinggi-pemkot-jambi-perpanjang-pjj-pada-21-september-2026) ## Check air quality and hotspots from official sources Official ISPU readings are on the KLH/BPLH ISPU portal. BMKG also monitors PM2.5 particles and issues forest and land fire warnings, including satellite images of smoke spread and hotspots. A hotspot is a point picked up by satellite sensors (BMKG uses the VIIRS and MODIS sensors) to monitor possible forest and land fires. The national hotspot map is also on SiPongi+, the Ministry of Forestry’s forest and land fire monitoring system. - [BMKG: PM2.5 monitoring](https://www.bmkg.go.id/kualitas-udara/pm25) - [BMKG: forest and land fire warnings](https://www.bmkg.go.id/cuaca/karhutla) - [SiPongi+: Ministry of Forestry hotspot map](https://sipongi.gakkum.kehutanan.go.id/) ## Things to check carefully - Judging the air only by how far you can see or how it smells; check the official ISPU at the nearest station. - Wearing a loose mask that does not seal over your nose and mouth. - Opening doors and windows wide when ISPU is Unhealthy or worse. - Switching on hazard lights while driving in smoke; use headlights or fog lights and slow down. - Waiting for severe breathlessness before seeking help; the Ministry of Health asks people to go to a health facility before things get worse. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does an ISPU of 150 mean? An ISPU of 150 is Unhealthy (101–200). Everyone should cut down on long physical activity outdoors; sensitive groups may go out for light activity, take more breaks and watch for coughing or breathlessness. ### What should I do if the ISPU is above 300? 301 or above is Hazardous. Everyone should avoid all outdoor activity; sensitive groups should stay indoors and keep activity to a minimum. Close doors and windows, and wear a respirator mask if you must go out. ### Which mask works against haze? A well-fitting respirator such as an N95 or KN95 (equivalent to FFP2). The Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Health and WHO all name this type; make sure it covers your nose and mouth with no gaps. ### Should children still go to school during haze? Follow your local government’s and school’s decision. In affected areas, the regional head or education office can move schools to remote learning based on ISPU; children are among the most vulnerable. ### How can I protect pregnant women and older relatives? When ISPU is Very Unhealthy or Hazardous, pregnant women and older people should not be active outdoors. Keep them in the most airtight room, use an air purifier if you have one, and get them checked at a health facility promptly if they become breathless or have chest pain. ### I have asthma. What should I do? Follow your doctor’s instructions and always carry your medicine. From Unhealthy upwards, limit time outdoors, watch for coughing or breathlessness, and go to a puskesmas or hospital promptly if symptoms get worse. ### Where can I check the official ISPU? On the Ministry of Environment/BPLH ISPU portal, ispu.kemenlh.go.id. BMKG also shows PM2.5 data and forest and land fire warnings at bmkg.go.id. ### When should I see a doctor because of smoke? Straight away if you develop shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain or severe eye irritation. The Ministry of Health asks people to go to a puskesmas or hospital before their condition worsens; in an emergency call 119. ## Official sources 1. [Portal ISPU KLH/BPLH: kategori dan anjuran](https://ispu.kemenlh.go.id/app/) (accessed 2026-10-14) 2. [Permen LHK P.14/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/7/2020 tentang ISPU (Berita Negara 2020 No. 774)](https://peraturan.go.id/files/bn774-2020.pdf) (accessed 2026-10-14) 3. [KLH/BPLH: anjuran saat ISPU di atas 100 dan 200 (13 Juni 2025)](https://kemenlh.go.id/news/detail/menteri-lh-terapkan-upaya-mitigasi-pemantauan-intensif-hingga-penegakan-hukum-serius-dilakukan) (accessed 2026-10-14) 4. [Kemenkes: masker dan pantau kualitas udara saat asap karhutla (21 Agustus 2026)](https://kemkes.go.id/id/menkes-pakai-masker-dan-pantau-kualitas-udara-untuk-cegah-dampak-asap-karhutla) (accessed 2026-10-14) 5. [Kemenkes: perlindungan kelompok rentan saat karhutla (26 Agustus 2026)](https://kemkes.go.id/id/kemenkes-perkuat-perlindungan-kelompok-rentan-hadapi-karhutla) (accessed 2026-10-14) 6. [WHO Europe: public health advice during wildfires](https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/public-health-advice-during-the-wildfires--how-to-protect-your-health-and-keep-safe) (accessed 2026-10-14) 7. [BMKG: pemantauan PM2,5](https://www.bmkg.go.id/kualitas-udara/pm25) (accessed 2026-10-14) 8. [BMKG: peringatan kebakaran hutan dan lahan](https://www.bmkg.go.id/cuaca/karhutla) (accessed 2026-10-14) 9. [SiPongi+ Kementerian Kehutanan: sistem pemantauan karhutla](https://sipongi.gakkum.kehutanan.go.id/) (accessed 2026-10-14) 10. [Korlantas Polri: penggunaan lampu hazard (16 Mei 2026)](https://korlantas.polri.go.id/2026-05-16-kapan-lampu-hazard-boleh-digunakan-simak-penjelasan-dan-aturannya/) (accessed 2026-10-14) 11. [Korlantas Polri: jarak aman berkendara (3 Mei 2026)](https://korlantas.polri.go.id/2026-05-03-jaga-jarak-aman-berkendara-terapkan-rumus-3-detik/) (accessed 2026-10-14) 12. [Pemerintah Kota Jambi: PJJ berdasarkan ISPU (20 September 2026)](https://jambikota.go.id/berita/ispu-masih-tinggi-pemkot-jambi-perpanjang-pjj-pada-21-september-2026) (accessed 2026-10-14) ## Related guides - [Forest and land fires in Indonesia: reporting fires, the ban on burning and protecting your family from smoke](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/forest-and-land-fires/) - [Extreme heat in Indonesia: signs of heat stroke, first aid and staying safe](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/extreme-heat/) - [Disaster preparedness in Indonesia: floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/disaster-preparedness-indonesia/) --- Source: Panduan Warga, https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/air-quality-and-haze/ (reviewed 2026-10-14). General information, not legal or financial advice; current agency rules take precedence.