Benefit Analysis of Implementation of Alternative SO2 Quality Standards on Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) Incidence Reduction in Indonesia

Indonesia Quality Standard (QS) for ambient SO2 for 1 hour time average i.e. 900 μg/m³ (equivalent to 360 μg/m³ in 24 hour time average) regulated in the Government Regulation No. 41 of 1999 is the most loose compared to the ambient SO2 standards of other countries in the world including WHO QS guideline. This QS is not expected to guarantee the protection of public health in Indonesia. Therefore more stringent QS alternative for ambient SO2 is required. This research examines benefit values in public health aspect if Indonesia tightens its ambient SO2 QS. Two alternative QS for SO2 are used i.e 196 μg/m³ (equivalent to 78 μg/m3 in 24 hour time average) referring to U.S. EPA and 750 μg/m³ (equivalent to 360 μg/m3 in 24 hour time average) referring to Pusat Sarana Pengendalian Dampak Lingkungan Hidup (PUSARPEDAL). First step is to map distribution of SO2 ambient concentrations in Indonesia. The result indicates that Provinces of Jakarta and Banten have exceeded both alternative QS while Provinces of Yogyakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali, and North Sumatra only exceed the alternative QS of 196 μg/m³. From the public health aspect, by attaining to the alternative QS of 750 μg/m³, Jakarta and Banten will reduce incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) by 95% and 98%. By attaining to the alternative QS of 196 μg/m3, East Java, Bali and North Sumatra will reduce the incidence of ARIs by 59%, 51%, and 5%.