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Bekasi occupies a critical position in Indonesia's most densely populated region, situated immediately east of Jakarta in West Java's lowland coastal plain. The city's geography is defined by its flat alluvial terrain at approximately 20 meters above sea level, with the Citarum River flowing through its southern districts and numerous smaller canals crisscrossing the urban fabric. This low-lying topography creates natural drainage challenges that exacerbate pollution retention. Bekasi functions as both a major industrial hub—particularly through the MM2100 industrial zone—and a massive residential suburb for Jakarta commuters, creating a unique urban-rural gradient where factories and dense housing estates transition abruptly to peri-urban agricultural areas. The city's proximity to Jakarta Bay (approximately 25 kilometers northwest) provides limited maritime influence, while its position downwind from Jakarta during prevailing westerly winds means it receives transported pollution from the capital. Surrounding landscapes include rice paddies to the east and south, industrial belts along major transportation corridors, and the urban sprawl merging imperceptibly with Greater Jakarta. This geographic configuration creates a pollution trap where industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust from the Jakarta-Bekasi-Cikampek toll road corridor, and construction dust from rapid urbanization combine with natural factors like low wind speeds and high humidity to degrade air quality consistently.

Bekasi's tropical rainforest climate creates distinct seasonal pollution patterns despite relatively consistent temperatures year-round. During the dry season from June through September, pollution peaks dramatically as reduced rainfall allows particulate matter from vehicles, industries, and road dust to accumulate without atmospheric cleansing. These months experience the most hazardous conditions, with frequent temperature inversions trapping pollutants near the ground, especially during early mornings when commuter traffic peaks. Sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activity from June to September, particularly during rush hours. The wet season from October to May brings some relief through daily afternoon thunderstorms that wash pollutants from the air, though November through February sees increased flooding that can stir up sediment and waste. December through February experiences slightly better air quality despite higher humidity, making these months more favorable for outdoor activities. The transitional months of April-May and October-November bring variable conditions with occasional haze from agricultural burning in surrounding regions. Meteorological factors like the northwest monsoon (December-March) can occasionally bring cleaner marine air, while the southeast monsoon (June-September) often carries industrial emissions from Bekasi toward Jakarta. Fog is rare but haze is common during dry periods, reducing visibility and increasing respiratory risks. Year-round, morning hours before 10 AM typically show the highest pollution concentrations due to traffic and atmospheric stability.