Extreme Heat Warning in Jakarta: Health Authority Cautions Against Heatstroke Risk

The Jakarta Health Authority (Dinkes) is urging residents to increase vigilance regarding the serious health risks posed by extreme heat conditions currently sweeping the capital. The elevated temperatures have the potential to trigger significant health complications, ranging from dehydration to heatstroke (serangan panas).

Ani Ruspitawati, Head of the Jakarta Health Authority, explained that extreme heat does not merely cause discomfort but also threatens bodily functions. “Generally, extreme heat can trigger fluid deficiency (dehydration), fatigue (heat exhaustion), and heatstroke,” Ani stated on Sunday (15 March).

Beyond dehydration, the Health Authority has identified additional health complaints commonly arising from high temperatures. The authority has identified several population groups at highest risk or most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat, namely field workers, children, pregnant women, and elderly citizens (lansia).

To minimise risk, the Jakarta Health Authority has provided several practical preventative measures for residents. The authority recommends residents take precautions to protect themselves during this period of extreme heat.

The extreme heat conditions affecting much of Indonesia are anticipated to persist until late October 2025, according to the Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The BMKG has explained the reasons for this phenomenon and its impacts on weather conditions across various regions. Observations from BMKG indicate that extreme heat is widespread across Indonesia and has resulted in changes to building and land conditions, causing even more intense heat in certain areas.