High Mobility Fuels Air Pollution in Tangerang Selatan

Tangerang Selatan, a satellite city of Jakarta, grapples with significant air pollution, consistently registering PM2.5 levels above safe thresholds. This invisible threat, described as a "silent stressor" by Wisya Aulia Prayudi, Urban & Environmental Health Lead at CISDI, poses a serious risk to public health and diminishes the productivity of its highly mobile, young population.

The root cause is the burgeoning number of vehicles in the Banten region. In Tangerang Selatan alone, vehicle ownership reached 1.63 million units in 2025, directly correlating with daily activities that fuel emissions. This escalating pollution not only affects respiratory health but also has long-term consequences as fine PM2.5 particles penetrate the bloodstream.

Beyond the physical toll, the daily grind of commuting and exposure to pollutants exacerbates stress and fatigue, particularly for students and young professionals. Psychologist Winona Lalita suggests short breaks and mindful practices, like observing plants upon waking, can help mitigate anxiety stemming from polluted environments.

Environmental content creator Nada Arini points to systemic issues, arguing that current policies hinder healthy, eco-friendly living. She notes that widespread waste burning often stems from inadequate municipal waste management systems, forcing residents to resort to burning their trash.