Jakarta, May 19 -- The Health Ministry called for a strengthened and data-based early warning system to protect the public from the harmful health effects of air pollution.

The ministry noted that these environmental hazards range from childhood pneumonia to chronic respiratory diseases across the country.

Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono said on Tuesday that the World Health Organization has identified air pollution as a serious global concern that affects people of all ages.

He highlighted data from the organization showing that nine out of ten people worldwide currently live in areas with polluted air.

"Have you ever, at night, when the rain was heavy, and then the next morning it is bright and cloudless, allowing us ...