Jakarta air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups on Monday morning

The air quality in Jakarta was recorded as unhealthy for sensitive groups, prompting advice to avoid outdoor activities, according to the IQAir website on Monday morning, with an update at 05.00 WIB. IQAir recorded Jakarta’s air quality at 139 points, with a PM 2.5 pollutant concentration of 51 microgrammes per cubic metre, or 10.2 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline value. PM 2.5 refers to particles smaller than 2.5 microns (micrometres) found in the air, including dust, smoke and soot. Long-term exposure to these particles is linked to premature death, particularly in people with chronic heart or lung diseases. Current health recommendations related to air quality include avoiding outdoor activities, wearing masks, closing windows to keep out dirty outside air, and turning on air purifiers. Meanwhile, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government stated that the implementation of Car Free Day on Jalan HR Rasuna Said and the Sudirman-Thamrin area has been proven to help reduce vehicle emissions and lower air pollution in Jakarta. The decrease is thought to be influenced by the reduction in traffic activity in the city centre during the event. The transportation sector is known to be one of the main contributors to air pollution in Jakarta. Therefore, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government continues to encourage the reduction of private vehicle use through various policies, including the implementation of Car Free Day. In addition to providing a healthier and more comfortable public space for residents, the Car Free Day is also expected to increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining air quality.