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Meulaboh, nestled on the western coast of Aceh, Indonesia, occupies a geographically significant position within the Sumatran landscape. Located at approximately 4.1333° N, 96.1167° E, the city’s terrain is predominantly low-lying, gently sloping towards the Indian Ocean. This coastal plain is characterized by alluvial soils deposited by the Meulaboh River and its tributaries, creating fertile land suitable for agriculture. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of rice paddies, smallholder farms cultivating rubber and palm oil, and dense tropical forests further inland, gradually transitioning into a more rugged, hilly terrain as one moves eastward. The city’s proximity to the Indian Ocean exerts a strong influence on its climate and, consequently, its air quality. Prevailing winds, often originating over the ocean, can both disperse pollutants and introduce marine aerosols. While Meulaboh lacks large-scale industrial belts within its immediate vicinity, it serves as a regional trading hub, with some light industrial activity related to processing agricultural products and supporting the fishing industry. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city’s built environment quickly giving way to agricultural land and forested areas. The relatively flat topography and coastal location can exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants, particularly during periods of stagnant air or reduced wind speeds. The city’s elevation, generally below 30 meters, contributes to a tendency for temperature inversions, trapping pollutants closer to the ground, especially during the cooler months.

Meulaboh experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly impacting its air quality profile. The wet season, typically spanning from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and increased humidity. While the rain helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can trap pollutants closer to the ground, particularly during periods of reduced wind. Fog, common during the wet season, further restricts atmospheric mixing and can lead to localized air quality degradation. The dry season, from May to October, is characterized by lower rainfall and higher temperatures. During this period, agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, becomes a significant source of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. Stagnant air conditions, often associated with high-pressure systems, are more frequent during the dry season, hindering pollutant dispersion. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, are also more likely, trapping pollutants and exacerbating air quality issues. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, particularly after rainfall events. However, sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during periods of fog or agricultural burning, regardless of the season. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during periods of stagnant air or visible smoke is advisable.