As air pollution continues to plague Jakarta, now ranked among the top five most polluted cities globally, the city’s authorities are taking action. On July 5, 2024, Jakarta unveiled a new air quality monitoring platform in a bid to tackle this critical issue.
The Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLH DKI Jakarta) spearheaded the initiative. Asep Kuswanto, Head of DLH DKI Jakarta, emphasized the platform’s significance in integrating data from various sources, both governmental and non-governmental.
“This air quality monitoring platform is an enhancement of the existing system and meets national standards,” Kuswanto announced during the virtual launch event on Friday, July 5, 2024.
The platform showcases data from 31 Air Quality Monitoring Stations (SPKU) scattered across Jakarta. This data is synchronized with similar equipment operated by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, and Vital Strategies. Kuswanto highlighted that the number of stations and the volume of integrated data will continue to grow, ensuring that all monitoring devices adhere to national standards.
“We are selective in integrating SPKUs. The data presented comes from air quality monitoring devices that meet stringent standards,” Kuswanto assured.
He also mentioned that the public could access real-time air quality data for Jakarta, complemented by various other features. Jakarta residents can visit udara.jakarta.go.id to utilize the air quality monitoring platform.
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Air pollution poses a significant environmental threat to human health, contributing to approximately one in nine deaths worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution leads to around seven million premature deaths annually. PM2.5 air pollution exposure is linked to numerous health issues, including asthma, cancer, stroke, and lung disease.
Additionally, air pollution can hinder cognitive development in children, contribute to mental health problems, and worsen existing conditions such as diabetes.
The following are the ten most polluted cities in the world:
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: 169
- Beijing, China: 160
- Lahore, Pakistan: 159
- New York, USA: 152
- Jakarta, Indonesia: 137
- Delhi, India: 133
- Sao Paulo, Brazil: 128
- Chicago, USA: 125
- Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: 123
- Santiago, Chile: 114
Given the gravity of Jakarta’s air pollution problem, the newly launched monitoring platform is a crucial step towards improving air quality and safeguarding public health. The platform aims to provide transparent, accessible data, enabling both authorities and citizens to take informed actions against pollution.
