BMKG: Air Quality Crosses Hazardous Level in Palembang - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) urged collective vigilance as air quality in Palembang hits hazardous level due to haze.

Based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading, the air quality value in Palembang as of 06:30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) reaches 473.

The Head of the South Sumatra Class I Climatology Station, Wandayantolis, meanwhile, said on Sunday that based on monitoring by the Musi 2 Palembang PM2.5 Station, the air quality as of this morning was classified as "black," indicating a high risk to public health.

He explained that Particulate Matter (PM2.5) are airborne particles smaller than or equal to 2.5 µm (micrometers). PM2.5 concentrations are measured using the beta ray irradiation method (beta attenuation monitoring) with units of micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).

BMKG data shows that the concentration of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, at Musi 2 Station in Palembang reached a peak of 903.6 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) on Sunday morning at 5:00 a.m., which crossed the hazardous level. 

This condition is partly influenced by the haze from forest and land fires that have spread to several areas in South Sumatra, and wafted into Palembang.

Therefore, he urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory problems, to prevent respiratory infections.

"If you must leave the house, it's best to protect yourself with a mask and goggles," he said.

Read: Kalimantan Haze: Singkawang Airport to Resume Flights on Oct. 1