Jakarta's air quality ranked worst in the world on Friday

Jakarta’s air quality on Friday morning fell into the unhealthy category and was ranked as the worst in the world. According to data from the air quality monitoring site IQAir at 06:11 WIB, Jakarta’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 176, classified as unhealthy, with PM2.5 pollution and a concentration value of 91 microgrammes per cubic metre. This level indicates air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, potentially harming humans or sensitive animals, and could cause damage to plants or aesthetic values. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities. If outdoors, they should wear masks and close windows to keep polluted air out.

Meanwhile, good air quality is defined as a level that does not affect human or animal health and has no impact on plants or aesthetic values, with a PM2.5 range of 0-50. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing rapid response measures to address air pollution in the capital during the dry season, which is predicted to occur from early May to August. These measures include improving air quality monitoring systems and vehicle emission testing. The provincial government also has an Air Pollution Control Strategy (SPPU) currently under evaluation, covering aspects from PM2.5 trends and sectoral emission loads to public health impacts. Officials emphasised that air pollution control cannot be done partially by one area alone, requiring integrated joint action among regional apparatus organisations and cross-regional collaboration around Jakarta.