Jakarta Faces Peak Rainfall Season Amid Microplastic Contamination Concerns

Indonesia is currently in the peak of its rainy season, with Jakarta and surrounding areas expecting moderate to heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, particularly from midday to the afternoon. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts that the rainy season will peak in western Indonesia during November-December and shift eastward through February 2026, with December and January marking the ultimate peak period for most regions. This extended rainy season is influenced by factors such as the Asian monsoon, sea surface temperature anomalies, and a weak La Niña phenomenon, raising concerns about increased extreme rainfall and hydrometeorological disasters. Concurrently, alarming findings have emerged regarding microplastic contamination in Jakarta's rainwater, with studies revealing significant levels of microplastic particles originating from various sources, including synthetic fibers, tire polymers, and degraded plastics. These microplastics pose serious health risks due to their persistence in the environment, potential to carry pathogens, and harmful effects on respiratory and other bodily systems. The presence of microplastic rain underscores the urgent need for responsible production and effective governance to address Indonesia's plastic pollution crisis.