Mapping Asbestos Vulnerability in Indonesia Using Earthquake Vulnerability

Our plain-English summary of Mapping Asbestos Vulnerability in Indonesia Using Earthquake Vulnerability, by A. Suraya, O. Priharto, B.R. Putra, et al (Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health = Yebang Ŭihakhoe Chi, 2025).

The study

• Authors: A. Suraya, O. Priharto, B.R. Putra, Husen, D. Arjuni, U. Sulandari, Y.S. Purba, Maryuni, Lelitasari
• Journal: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health = Yebang Ŭihakhoe Chi
• Published: 2025;58(5):475-483
• Read it: PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to create Indonesia's first asbestos exposure risk map by analyzing asbestos roofing prevalence, population density, and earthquake vulnerability. This represents a significant innovation by providing valuable insights to support the prevention of asbestos-related diseases in Indonesia.

Methods: This semi-quantitative study was conducted between June 2024 and September 2024. Data on asbestos roof usage and population density were obtained from the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency, while earthquake risk data were sourced from the Geological Disaster Mitigation Portal. Risk categorization was applied to each variable, and a matrix was developed to evaluate combined risks. Validation was conducted through cross-referencing, and maps were generated using Geographic Information System software.

Results: Nationally, asbestos roofing use is approximately 8.10%, although prevalence varies significantly among provinces. Bangka Belitung has the highest prevalence at 55.16%, followed by DKI Jakarta (52.10%), Riau Islands (31.99%), and Banten (21.22%). DKI Jakarta also has the highest population density, with 16 158 inhabitants per square kilometer. Combining these factors, DKI Jakarta emerges as the province with the highest asbestos exposure risk. Based on asbestos roofing prevalence, population density, and earthquake risk, provinces classified at very high asbestos exposure risk include DKI Jakarta, West Java, DI Yogyakarta, East Java, Banten, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara. Provinces categorized as high-risk include North Sumatra, Bengkulu, Lampung, and Central Java.

Conclusions: This map supports the development of future public health policies by identifying high-risk areas, optimizing resource allocation, and informing targeted intervention strategies.

In plain English

This study used existing government statistics to build what the authors described as Indonesia's first province-level map of asbestos exposure risk. Between June and September 2024, the authors took 2023 census figures on the share of houses with asbestos roofs and on population density, added earthquake potential data, sorted each into five risk levels, and combined them in a matrix. The study relied on secondary data and did not measure exposure directly. Nationally, about 8.1% of houses had asbestos roofing. The highest shares were in Bangka Belitung (55.16%), DKI Jakarta (52.10%), Riau Islands (31.99%) and Banten (21.22%). East Nusa Tenggara had the lowest (0.13%). DKI Jakarta also had the highest population density, 16 158 people per square kilometer, and was judged the highest-risk province. Combining all three factors, seven provinces were rated very high risk: DKI Jakarta, West Java, DI Yogyakarta, East Java, Banten, Bali and West Nusa Tenggara. The authors concluded the map could help guide public health policy. They noted it left out other exposure sources, such as nearby asbestos industries, and gives only a general provincial overview.

We wrote this plain-English summary from the full article with the help of AI, and a second AI model checked each sentence against the article. It is not the authors' wording; the abstract and the article are their own account.

What the study did and found

• Design: Semi-quantitative mapping study using secondary (existing) data, with risk categories combined in a matrix and mapped with GIS software
• Who was studied: Indonesian provinces, at the provincial level, using 2023 national census data. Provinces were included only if they had complete data on asbestos roof use, population density and earthquake potential. The mapping was done between June and September 2024.
• Exposure: Asbestos roofing: the percentage of houses with asbestos roofs in each province. No fiber type is named. Roof prevalence was graded from very low risk (below 1%) to very high risk (over 20%). It was then combined with population density and with earthquake potential, the latter assessed with the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale.
• Main results:
  • Nationally, about 8.1% of houses in Indonesia had asbestos roofing.
  • Highest asbestos roof prevalence by province: Bangka Belitung 55.16%, DKI Jakarta 52.10%, Riau Islands 31.99%, Banten 21.22%.
  • East Nusa Tenggara had the lowest asbestos roof prevalence, 0.13%.
  • Population density ranged from 10 people per square kilometer in North Kalimantan to 16 158 in DKI Jakarta.
  • Combining high asbestos roof use with extreme density, DKI Jakarta was judged the province with the highest asbestos exposure risk.
  • On the map combining roof use and population density, ten provinces were rated very high risk: North Sumatra, Lampung, Riau Islands, DKI Jakarta, West Java, Banten, Central Java, East Java, Bali and West Nusa Tenggara.
  • On the same two-factor map, Bangka Belitung Islands, DI Yogyakarta and South Sulawesi were rated high risk.
  • On the map combining roof use, population density and earthquake potential, seven provinces were rated very high risk: DKI Jakarta, West Java, DI Yogyakarta, East Java, Banten, Bali and West Nusa Tenggara.
  • On the three-factor map, North Sumatra, Bengkulu, Lampung and Central Java were rated high risk.
• The authors' conclusion: The authors concluded that the map supports future public health policy by identifying high-risk areas, optimizing resource allocation and informing targeted interventions.
• Limitations the authors state:
  • The study did not include other exposure sources, such as proximity to asbestos industries.
  • The map gives only a general, provincial-level overview. The authors suggested more detailed district-level maps.
  • The map relies on secondary data. The authors called for future direct exposure assessments and long-term health monitoring.

Topics

Medical terms in this study, explained in our Lexicon: Asbestos Exposure.

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