Indonesia’s Dry Season Poses Different Health Risks from Europe’s Heatwaves

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The health risks posed by hot weather in Indonesia have different characteristics from those associated with heatwaves in several European countries. Primary Care Family Medicine Specialist dr. Aghnaa Gayatri, delivered the statement in an interview with RRI Voice of Indonesia recently.

According to her, unlike Europe, where temperatures fluctuate according to the seasons, Indonesia is accustomed to relatively warm temperatures throughout the year. However, the dry season can bring a combination of heat, high humidity, dust, air pollution, and wildfire smoke.

“But the problem for us is, of course, the dry heat, the dry mixed with, you know, the dust, and our humidity is quite high in Indonesia, where we perspire a lot, we sweat a lot, and when we sweat, that is then a risk for dehydration,” dr. Aghnaa said.

She explained that the challenges in Indonesia are not limited to high temperatures. During the dry season, dust can become more prevalent and contribute to poorer air quality.

“As the dry season in our country is mostly because of extreme heat comes together with poor air quality that we have right now, and then hot air can increase airway irritation that can worsen respiratory symptoms,” she said.

These risks can increase further when wildfires occur. Wildfire smoke contains very small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger irritation and inflammation.

Meanwhile, conditions in Europe are different, as temperatures there fluctuate more significantly between seasons. Limited adaptation to extreme heat in some buildings can also make heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat stroke more prominent.

“What happens in Europe right now is that because the heat is just starkly high during the summer, where not every house has an air conditioning system, then even though they're inside, they will still be hot and then they will sweat a lot, and this will increase perspiration or sweat,” she said.

She explained that not all homes or buildings in Europe have air conditioning, as many are designed to cope with winter conditions. As a result, extreme heat can still be felt indoors.

“They have a more severe reaction to dehydration, which can get them dizzy and then weakness, you know, during the hot times,” she said.

Dr. Aghnaa therefore advised people to adjust their preventive measures according to environmental conditions. These include staying hydrated, limiting unnecessary outdoor activities, monitoring air quality, and using appropriate protection when spending time outdoors.