Dr. Ir. Bambang Setiaji, SKM, M.Kes, Senior Expert Policy Analyst, Center for Health Security System Policy, BKPK, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia
"Asbestos is cheap, but life is expensive." This expression is not just a slogan, but a real warning about building materials that have long haunted public health.
Introduction
Asbestos remains widely used in Indonesia despite being proven to cause deadly diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. More than 60 countries have banned its use, while Indonesia still allows this type of asbestos. chrysotileThis article reviews the dangers of asbestos, current facts in Indonesia, and the importance of strengthening national policies to protect future generations from the risks of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos: Deadly Tiny Fibers
Every time someone cuts, saws, or even sweeps an old asbestos roof, tiny, almost invisible fibers can be released into the air. When inhaled, these fibers enter the lungs and remain in the body for life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), there is no safe limit for asbestos exposure. The fibers can cause asbestosis (hardening of the lung tissue), lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare type of lung cancer. Symptoms can appear 20 to 40 years after exposure, making early detection difficult.
"At first, I just had a normal cough, but it turned out my lungs were damaged by asbestos dust," said a construction worker in Jakarta. Stories like this are not uncommon. Lestari et al. (2023) noted, every year around 1.600 deaths in Indonesia caused by asbestos-related diseases.
Indonesia: One of the World's Largest Asbestos Users
Despite its known dangers, Indonesia remains the largest importer of asbestos in Southeast Asia, with a volume of approximately 150.000 tons per year. Approximately 13% of Indonesian households still use asbestos roofs, particularly in densely populated urban areas (Suraya, 2024). Meanwhile, more than 60 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Brazil, have completely banned asbestos and switched to alternative materials such as cellulose fiber, PVA, aramid, and local composite materials (American Cancer Society, 2023).
Unfortunately, the regulations in Indonesia are outdated. Government Regulation No. 74 of 2001 and Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 1985 only prohibit blue asbestos (crocidolite), while the most commonly used type is white asbestos (chrysotile) still permitted, even though they are equally deadly (WHO, 2024).
The Impact of Asbestos is Not Only in Factories
The dangers of asbestos not only threaten industrial workers but also the general public. Cracked roofs, broken asbestos water pipes, or poorly managed construction waste can release toxic dust into the air. Exposure can occur anywhere: in schools, hospitals, and even private homes. Research by Chen et al. (2024) shows that asbestos-related diseases are often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or other lung diseases, resulting in many cases going unreported. This situation is like a "health time bomb." Without action now, the disease burden and health costs from asbestos will increase dramatically in the next two decades (Zhao et al., 2024).
The Importance of Strengthening Policies Towards an Asbestos-Free Indonesia
Seeing this serious threat, it is important to make serious efforts to encourage the strengthening of Asbestos Exposure Control policies, as an initial policy towards an Asbestos-Free Indonesia by 2035. Some policies that need to be encouraged in an integrated manner are, as follows:
1. National Inventory and Risk Mapping
Conducting a survey of public buildings, industrial facilities, and housing that still use asbestos. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology will be used to map high-risk areas (Suraya, 2024).
2. Disease Surveillance and Registry System
Establish a National Registry of Asbestos Exposure Diseases to digitally detect and record cases, as well as serve as a basis for providing compensation to affected workers (Chen et al., 2024).
3. Industrial Substitution and Incentive Program
Providing fiscal incentives, tax breaks, and technological support for industries to switch to safe and environmentally friendly substitute materials is in line with the green industry agenda in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and the Ministry of Industry's roadmap.
4. Regulatory Reform and Gradual Ban
Revise Government Regulation No. 74/2001 and Ministerial Regulation No. 3/1985 to categorize all types of asbestos as Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3), whose use will be gradually banned. The target is to stop asbestos imports within five years and a total ban within ten years (US Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2024).
5. Public Education and National Campaign
Launching the “Asbestos-Free Indonesia 2035” movement, with a public campaign on the dangers of asbestos, training of technical officers, and socialization of safe asbestos waste management.
Realistic Steps
Of the 5 policies, there are 3 strategic steps that can be carried out simultaneously and complement each other, namely:
- National inventory and surveillance (quick and easy steps to implement)
- Asbestos-free industrial material substitution (economic transition towards green industry)
- Revised total ban regulation (long-term legal basis)
The combination of these three steps will strengthen Indonesia's position in the global effort to eliminate asbestos-related diseases and support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Breathe Easy, on a Healthy Earth
Removing asbestos is not only a matter of human health but also environmental sustainability. Asbestos waste is difficult to manage, polluting soil, water, and air. By replacing asbestos, Indonesia not only protects its people but also contributes to the global reduction of hazardous chemicals.
This step will certainly not be easy. There will be challenges from industry, transition costs, and significant public education requirements. However, history shows that countries that have the courage to ban asbestos have ultimately reduced disease rates and significantly saved healthcare costs. As the WHO (2024) stated: "The only safe way to manage asbestos is not to use it at all."
Conclusion: Together Towards an Asbestos-Free Indonesia
We can't see asbestos fibers with the naked eye, but their effects are real. They penetrate the walls of homes, penetrate the lungs, and slowly, silently, take lives.
Now is the time for us to act, working together with government, industry, academia, and the public, to stop this dangerous cycle. With strong policies, innovation in alternative materials, and public awareness, Indonesia can truly breathe a sigh of relief by 2035.
