Jakarta Ranks Fourth-Worst in the World for Air Quality - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Air quality in Jakarta on Friday morning fell into the unhealthy category, ranking fourth among cities with the worst air in the world.

According to the air quality monitoring site IQAir at 05:55 local time, Jakarta’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 169—placing it in the "unhealthy" category—driven by PM2.5 pollution with a concentration of 87 micrograms per cubic meter, as quoted by ANTARA.

That figure indicates an air quality level unhealthy for sensitive groups, as it could harm humans and sensitive animal populations, or cause damage to vegetation and aesthetic values.

Regarding Jakarta’s air quality, the site also recommends that the public avoid outdoor activities. If you are outdoors, wear a mask, and keep windows closed to avoid polluted outside air.

Meanwhile, the Good category refers to an air quality level that poses no health risks to humans or animals and has no adverse effects on plants, buildings, or aesthetic values, with a PM2.5 range of 0–50.

Next is the Moderate category, where air quality does not affect human or animal health but does impact sensitive plants and aesthetic values, with a PM2.5 range of 51–100.

Very Unhealthy category, with a PM2.5 range of 200–299, indicates air quality that can harm exposed population segments. Lastly, the Hazardous category (300–500) indicates air quality that can generally cause serious health issues for the population.

Lahore (Pakistan) tops the list of cities with the worst air quality with a score of 208, followed by Manama (Bahrain) at 181, Kolkata (India) at 178, and Delhi (India) at 159.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing a rapid response to address air pollution in the capital during the dry season, forecast to occur from early May through August. Immediate measures to address air pollution during the dry season include upgrading air quality monitoring systems and conducting motor vehicle emission tests.

In addition, Jakarta is evaluating its Air Pollution Control Strategy (SPPU) from various aspects, ranging from PM2.5 trends and sectoral emission loads to its impact on public health.

The Jakarta Provincial Government states that air pollution control cannot be managed piecemeal by a single area. Therefore, integrated joint action among regional government agencies and cross-regional collaboration with surrounding areas are required.