A joint policy brief by WHO and the University of Liverpool reveals that clean cooking fuels are far more effective than "improved" biomass stoves at reducing harmful pollutants. While biomass stoves reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by about 50%, the PM2.5 levels still exceed WHO interim targets. Clean fuels, however, cut PM2.5 by 85%, often meeting or surpassing air quality standards.
Globally, 2.3 billion people, primarily in low- and middle-income countries, rely on polluting fuels like biomass, coal and kerosene. In 2020, household air pollution from these fuels contributed to 3.2 million deaths, primarily from ischemic heart disease (32%), stroke (23%), lower respiratory infections (21%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19%). Almost half of all lower respiratory infection deaths in children under 5 years of age are linked to household air pollution.
In Indonesia, the 2007 National Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Subsidy Programme has enabled 87% of households to transition to clean cooking using LPG. However, this means that approximately 30 million Indonesians still rely on polluting fuels, putting their health at risk.
To further improve indoor air quality, in 2023 Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, with WHO support, introduced evidence-based guidelines aimed at empowering communities. The guidelines highlight the importance of behavioural changes such as not smoking indoors and adopting healthier cooking practices, combined with structural improvements like better ventilation and sustainable housing designs. They also underscore the role of educational campaigns, local regulations and community-led monitoring systems to ensure lasting impact.
By tackling both behavioral and infrastructural barriers, and by continuing to promote clean rather than “improved” cooking fuels, Indonesia can advance its clean cooking agenda and accelerate towards Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 7, on health and energy, respectively.
Download the policy brief here: Policy Brief: Clean Household Energy Solutions Toolkit (CHEST)