H2S is more than just a bad smell, it’s a real threat to health, operations, and environmental responsibility. Across Indonesia, industrial facilities continue to emit this dangerous gas into the air, often without fully understanding the consequences. In 2025, when environmental monitoring tools are more accessible than ever, the fact that so many industries still neglect H2S detection is not just surprising, it’s alarming.

From wastewater treatment plants in Java to landfills in Sumatra and refineries in Kalimantan, the emission of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a growing concern. But despite its recognizable rotten egg smell and well-documented health impacts, it remains dangerously underestimated. And the question we need to ask is: why?

The gas you smell

Hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, is a colorless gas that occurs when organic matter breaks down in the absence of oxygen. It’s a byproduct found in sectors like oil and gas, waste management, food processing, and pulp and paper production, sectors that are key to Indonesia’s growing economy. But this economic growth comes at a cost if H2S is left unchecked.

Short-term exposure to low levels can cause headaches, eye irritation, and fatigue. At higher levels, the gas can cause unconsciousness and even death. The real danger, though, is that olfactory fatigue sets in quickly, meaning that workers may stop smelling H2S even when it’s still present in dangerous concentrations. That makes continuous, real-time monitoring not just helpful, but critical.

Why are industries still not monitoring H2S?

It’s easy to assume that by 2025, all industrial facilities in Indonesia would have adopted continuous air monitoring systems. Yet many haven’t, and the reasons reveal the systemic gaps in our approach to environmental safety.

First, lack of awareness is still a problem. Many decision-makers don’t realize how harmful even low levels of H2S can be. They assume that if no one is complaining about the smell, the situation must be under control. That assumption can be deadly.

Second, there’s a perception that monitoring is expensive. And yes, installing a proper H2S monitoring network comes with a cost, but far less than the cost of a major health incident, a legal battle, or a community backlash at the end it is a long term investment.

Third, regulatory enforcement is inconsistent. While Indonesia has laws regulating industrial emissions, real-time compliance monitoring isn’t always required or enforced. This gives businesses room to delay action until a crisis arises, by which point it’s often too late.

Finally, some companies are deterred by technical complexity. Choosing the right sensor, interpreting the data, and integrating it into existing safety protocols can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller operations. But complexity shouldn’t be an excuse to ignore a risk this serious.

Why a continuous H2S monitoring system changes everything

Real-time monitoring is a game changer for industries that deal with odor-generating processes. It gives facilities the ability to detect H2S as soon as it’s emitted, track patterns over time, and respond before thresholds are breached.

But it’s not just about reacting to danger. Continuous H2S monitoring allows for preventive maintenance, identifying leaks or operational inefficiencies early. It also makes reporting easier, with automatically logged data that can be used for audits or shared with regulatory bodies. And most importantly, it demonstrates to employees and nearby communities that the company takes health and environmental responsibility seriously.

In a country like Indonesia, where industrial zones are often located close to residential areas, that kind of trust matters. Communities are growing increasingly aware of the environmental impact of nearby facilities. 

2025 must be the turning point

We cannot keep treating odor as a nuisance. Odor is a signal. A warning. A story of what’s happening inside a process or behind a factory wall. And when it comes to H2S, that story can quickly turn into a crisis if no one is listening.

In 2025, with advanced sensors, cloud-connected devices, and proven monitoring systems available, the excuses are running out. Continuous H2S monitoring should no longer be seen as optional, it must be a baseline requirement for all industries that emit gas as part of their operations.

Indonesia has made great strides in environmental awareness and regulation over the past decade. Now is the time for industries to match that progress with action—action that protects workers, respects surrounding communities, and ensures long-term operational safety.

Conclusion

H2S may be invisible, but it’s not undetectable. Every industry that produces waste, processes organic material, or emits gases has the potential to release it. And every one of those industries has the responsibility to monitor it.Let’s not wait for another complaint, a health scare, or a shutdown to realize what should have been obvious from the start. Continuous H2S monitoring isn’t just smart, it’s essential. And it’s time for industries in Indonesia to treat it that way.