Too hot for Jakarta kids to play outside
In Jakarta, children pay the price as outdoor playgrounds become dangerously hot during the day due to the lack of cover from heat. Experts urge rethinking of design and materials to keep youngsters safe.
Children in Jakarta face hazardous conditions while playing outdoors due to excessively hot temperatures caused by the climate crisis, according to reports. The lack of shade in playgrounds like Embung Jagakarsa in South Jakarta exacerbates the problem, with temperatures soaring to 30 degrees Celsius even before midday. This heat has been felt as early as 10 a.m., making surfaces dangerously hot, as evidenced by a girl who removed her shoes mid-playtime.
Mothers are forced to remind their children to wear hats due to the intense sunlight, highlighting the need for safer outdoor play environments. The World Bank reports that Indonesia's average temperature has risen by 0.28 degrees Celsius per decade since the 50s, with July's average highs now reaching 32 degrees, a trend amplified by climate change.
By 2050, climate projections suggest Jakarta could face over 300 hot days annually, a stark increase from the current three to five times likelihood. Urban resilience expert Retno Wihanesta warns that the lethal combination of high temperature and humidity increases the risk of heat stress, particularly as heat waves become more frequent.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
