Jakarta Records World's Second-Worst Air Quality on Friday

Jakarta's air quality plummeted to an unhealthy level on Friday morning, earning it the grim distinction of the world's second most polluted city. According to the air quality monitoring platform IQAir, the Indonesian capital registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 172 as of 6:17 AM local time.

The recorded PM2.5 concentration reached 95 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the safe limits for public health. An AQI of 172 falls into the "unhealthy" category, posing significant risks to sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The elevated pollution can also harm sensitive animal species and damage vegetation.

IQAir advised residents to minimize outdoor activities, wear masks when venturing outside, and keep windows shut to reduce exposure. The platform classifies "good" air quality with PM2.5 levels between 0-50, posing minimal health risks. "Moderate" air quality ranges from 51-100, while "very unhealthy" levels begin at 200, and "hazardous" at 300 and above.

Jakarta was outranked only by Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which had an AQI of 179. Kathmandu, Nepal, followed in third place with an AQI of 140.

In response, the Jakarta provincial government is developing strategies to address air pollution during the upcoming dry season, which is expected to last until August. These measures include enhancing the city's air quality monitoring systems and increasing the intensity of vehicle emissions testing. The administration is also reviewing its Air Pollution Control Strategy, assessing PM2.5 trends, sectoral emissions, and public health impacts. Recognizing that air pollution transcends jurisdictional boundaries, the government emphasizes the need for stronger coordination among local agencies and increased collaboration with surrounding regions.