On Independence Day, Jakarta's air quality remains unhealthy

Jakarta’s air quality was recorded as unhealthy on Monday morning, coinciding with Indonesia’s Independence Day commemoration, prompting advice for residents to wear masks when outdoors, according to IQAir’s update at 05.00 WIB.

IQAir recorded Jakarta’s air quality at 181 points, with PM2.5 pollutant concentration of 98 micrograms per cubic metre, or 19.6 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value.

PM2.5 refers to particles smaller than 2.5 microns found in the air, including dust, smoke and soot. Long-term exposure to these particles is linked to premature death, particularly among people with chronic heart or lung disease.

Current health recommendations include wearing masks, avoiding outdoor activities, closing windows to keep out dirty outside air, and turning on air purifiers.

Jakarta’s air quality today was recorded as the fourth worst in Indonesia, after Pontianak at 193 points, South Tangerang at 193, and Serpong at 189.

Meanwhile, the DKI Jakarta provincial government stated that the implementation of Car Free Day on Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said and the Sudirman-Thamrin area has been shown to help reduce motor vehicle emissions and lower air pollution in Jakarta.

This reduction is thought to be influenced by reduced vehicle traffic activity in the city centre during the event.

The transport sector remains one of the main contributors to air pollution in Jakarta.

For this reason, the DKI Jakarta provincial government continues to encourage reduced use of private vehicles through various policies, including the implementation of Car Free Day.

In addition to providing healthier and more comfortable public spaces for residents, Car Free Day is also expected to raise public awareness of the importance of maintaining air quality.