Bicara Udara Launches Clean Air Policy Competition at UI: Encouraging Students to Tackle Pollution
The Udara Anak Bangsa Foundation (Bicara Udara), together with Guidelight and supported by the Directorate of Students and Alumni at the University of Indonesia (UI), has officially launched the ‘Clean Air Academy: From Wisdom to Impactful Action’. Held at the UI Student Activity Centre (Pusgiwa) Auditorium, this event serves as the opening for the Clean Air Policy Competition series.
This competition is designed as a platform for students to formulate strategic policy recommendations for the government to address the air pollution crisis. The programme is expected to provide a space for collaboration and advocacy to find real solutions to Indonesia’s increasingly concerning air quality conditions.
The urgency of this activity is based on air quality data that is far from ideal. Referring to a study by Systemiq Indonesia titled ‘Better Air, Better Indonesia’ (2023), pollution levels in the country have exceeded the safe thresholds set by both national and international authorities.
Air pollution is not merely a respiratory issue. Research published in The Lancet Planetary Health reveals that long-term exposure to PM2.5 particles can reduce cognitive ability and memory. Furthermore, recent data from 2025 shows a significant correlation with mental health, particularly among the productive age group (15-24 years).
In her keynote speech, Rahmi, S.Hum., M.Sc., Ph.D., Operational Manager of UI GreenMetric, emphasised that universities are the best incubators for fostering empathy and scientific thinking. ‘When students understand the impact of pollution based on data, they need to be encouraged to seek solutions in the form of ideas and policy proposals,’ she stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Fadhil Firdaus, City Advisor for Breathe Jakarta-C40, urged young people to be more proactive. According to him, contributions through research and innovation are crucial in influencing the public policy-making process.
With this roadshow at UI, the competition has officially commenced. Selected students will receive exclusive mentoring from experts, expand their professional networks, and have the opportunity to present their ideas at the Clean Air Forum.