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Parepare, nestled on the southwestern coast of Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia, occupies a geographically significant position within the broader Indonesian archipelago. Situated at approximately -4.0167° latitude and 119.6236° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by a gently sloping coastal plain gradually rising towards the interior highlands of Sulawesi. The city’s proximity to the Gulf of Bone, a large inlet of the Makassar Strait, significantly influences local weather patterns and, consequently, air quality. Parepare’s urban fabric is a blend of traditional settlements and modern developments, reflecting its historical role as a trading port and regional hub. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of rice paddies, smallholder farms cultivating crops like coffee and cloves, and pockets of secondary rainforest. This agricultural zone, while vital to the regional economy, can contribute to localized air pollution through agricultural burning practices, particularly during land clearing and harvesting seasons. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city transitioning quickly to agricultural land and then to the more rugged terrain of the interior. Parepare’s elevation, relatively low at around 20 meters above sea level, limits vertical mixing of air pollutants, potentially exacerbating ground-level concentrations. The city’s location within a monsoon-influenced climate zone means it experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, impacting both the sources and dispersion of air pollutants. Industrial activity, though not extensive, is present, primarily focused on processing agricultural products and supporting regional trade, adding to the complexity of Parepare’s air quality profile.

Parepare’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from May to October, often sees a reduction in overall rainfall, leading to lower humidity and increased solar radiation. While this might seem beneficial, the drier conditions can exacerbate the impact of agricultural burning, a common practice in the surrounding rural areas. Smoke from these burns, often containing particulate matter, can be trapped by stable atmospheric conditions, leading to periods of reduced visibility and elevated air pollution. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, are more frequent during the dry season, further hindering the vertical dispersion of pollutants. Conversely, the wet season, from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity. The increased precipitation naturally washes out particulate matter from the atmosphere, leading to a general improvement in air quality. However, periods of heavy fog, common during the wet season, can trap pollutants near the ground, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. Wind patterns also play a crucial role; consistent onshore breezes during the wet season help disperse pollutants, while weaker winds during the dry season can lead to stagnation. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly when agricultural burning is prevalent. Limiting outdoor exertion during periods of reduced visibility is advisable.