Southeast Asia Development Research

Transboundary Air Pollution in Southeast Asia, 2000–2025: A Bibliometric Map and Strategic Roadmap for Governance and Resilience

  • Chee Kong Yap
    Department of Biology, Facultty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
    Author
  • Ahmad Dwi Setyawan
    Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126,  Indonesia Biodiversity Research Group, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
    Author

DOI:

Keywords:

Bibliometric Analysis, Biomass Burning, PM2.5, Southeast Asia, Transboundary Air Pollution

Abstract

Background. Transboundary air pollution in Southeast Asia is driven largely by smoke from vegetation and peatland fires that carry fine particulates across borders and raise health risks. Objective of Study. We map the peer reviewed literature from 2000 to mid 2025 and translate the evidence into a roadmap for governance and resilience. Methodology. A targeted search was conducted on 11 July 2025, using the sole keyword phrase "Pollution Southeast Asia" restricted to the article title field. This search echoed a total of 72 documents, all of which were retained for this analysis, and produced keyword cooccurrence maps in VOSviewer. Results. Four stable clusters emerge: PM2.5 haze and fire emissions; monitoring and event attribution that pair station observations with satellite active fire detections; exposure and health outcomes; and regional framing within ASEAN cooperation. Collaboration is strongest among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Top cited work quantifies excess mortality during severe haze seasons and separates local and transboundary PM2.5. Discussion. Overlay trends show a mature core and growing operational monitoring since 2018. An evidence based SWOT confirms the connected core and flags gaps in health integration, monitoring quality disclosure, and country coverage. Strategic roadmap. We propose time bound actions over 0 to 12 months, 1 to 3 years, and 3 to 5 years with indicators for outcomes (population weighted PM2.5, haze advisory days, stations meeting the WHO guideline), sources (peat fire counts, burned area), and system performance (station density, data capture, use of regional advisories). Conclusion. The roadmap aligns with ASEAN instruments and enables transparent evaluation of progress.

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