Air Pollution in Jakarta Brings Fresh Concerns to Citizens

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The air quality in Jakarta is worsening as the country enters its dry season. According to the IQAir application, Jakarta's air quality is already reaching the worst level. 

While the Acting Governor of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono decided to clear the air with humor (he told people to "just blow away" the pollution), the health experts and citizens are worried about the health impacts of the air quality.

"For children, the current air pollution like this will usually increase the repeated risk of acute respiratory infection," said dr. Feni Fitriani, lungs expert of the Indonesian Society of Respirology.

Other risks include cough, flu, bigger risk of asthma, and also affecting the development of lungs in children.

Wear Masks

As of Friday (16/6/2023), the Jakarta government admitted that the level of PM2.5 in Jakarta is reaching an unhealthy level. Between May and early June 2023, the average concentration of PM2.5 is on the level 47,33 - 49,34 µg/m3.

The head of the Environmental Life Office in Jakarta, Asep Kuswanto, pointed out the impact of the dry season and vehicle emissions which pollute the air. The air pollution is the worst in the early morning.

"The air pollution in Jakarta is influenced by various sources of emissions which originate from local sources, such as transportation and residential, and regional sources from the industrial regions near Jakarta," Asep revealed.

Other parts of Greater Jakarta (Bogor, Depok, and Tangerang regions) are also suffering from the worsening air pollution.

The health authority in Jakarta has advised people with asthma to be cautious and reduce outdoor physical activities. In the event of an unhealthy level of air pollution, people are expected to wear their masks.

Among the solutions that Governor Heru offers is the use of electric vehicles. He supports the acceleration of electric vehicles that meet the standards.

His idea is in line with the programs of President Joko Widodo's government.

"Expedite the electric motorcycles, electric cars, and the fuels which truly meet the conditions. All parties must follow," said Heru.

After the governor's funny remark, Greenpeace in Indonesia reminded Heru that people have rights for clean air.

"In essence, this is about the citizens' right to breathe clean air. Not appropriate to make it as a joke," said Bondan Andriyanu, campaigner in Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

He also wants to expand the existence of Open Green Space in Jakarta to reduce the air pollution.

A politician of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Jakarta also criticized the governor's remark. One of the members, Justin Adrian Untayana, expects the governor not to repeat such a joke.

"Those words are not to be said again because this is a health issue and the welfare of the citizens, and that is not cheap. That is not something to be seen lightly," said Justin.

Winda Nelfira and Lydia Fransisca of Merdeka.com contributed to this report.