PM2.5 Pollution Could Reduce Life Expectancy, Satay Smoke and Trash Burning Identified as Triggers
Jakarta — Exposure to PM2.5 air pollution in Jakarta is reported to have the potential to shorten the life expectancy of the population. This hazardous fine particle does not only originate from motor vehicle and industrial emissions, but is also triggered by open burning activities such as burning garbage and the smoke from cooking, including satay.
Erni Pelita Fitratunnisa, Head of the Pollution Control and Environmental Damage Division at the DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLH DKI), explained that PM2.5 consists of extremely small particles that contain various toxic substances. Because of their microscopic size, they are easily inhaled and can reach the lungs.
“Based on research conducted by Prof. Budi from the Faculty of Public Health, UI, he has frequently stated that PM2.5 is one particle that contains many tiny sub-particles and is toxic,” Erni said at a casual discussion on Air Pollution and Clean Air Asia in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (4 March 2026).
She also cited research linking air pollution with cancer risk and developmental disorders in children. “Health Ministry colleagues also reported the same thing. There is ISPA (acute respiratory infections), especially among vulnerable groups: young children, the elderly,” she added.
DLH DKI monitors air quality through Air Quality Monitoring Stations (SPKU) spread across several locations. The data is publicly accessible through the JAKI app and the Jakarta air information channel.
If PM2.5 levels exceed permissible thresholds, the system will issue warnings for the public to limit outdoor activities.
Erni gave an example of a case where PM2.5 levels at a school environment exceeded the threshold. The DLH subsequently recommended temporarily reducing outdoor activities to protect students’ health. However, the advisory faced objections because it clashed with the school’s activity schedule.
Upon investigation, one cause was the concurrent ignition of many motorcycles at the end of the school day; vehicle exhausts were promptly captured by monitoring devices. In addition to vehicle emissions, open burning activities also contribute to rising PM2.5 levels. Erni stated that burning garbage is the largest and most dangerous contributor.
However, smoke from other burning activities such as fish or satay at eateries also affects particulate concentration in the air.
“Sometimes we see high numbers at SPKU. We ask for on-the-ground checks to see if there is burning garbage, burning fish, or burning satay. That certainly has an impact. But the most fatal is burning garbage,” she said.
Erni emphasised that controlling air pollution requires collaboration from all parties, not just the government alone.