Jakarta's Air Quality Index Hits Hazardous Levels, Second Only to Kinshasa

Faisal Maliki Baskoro
July 24, 2024 | 2:40 pm

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Thin smoke blankets high-rise buildings and homes in Jakarta on June 12, 2023. (B-Universe photo/Joanito De Saojoao)

Jakarta. Jakarta's air quality ranked second worst in the world on Wednesday, trailing only Kinshasa, Congo, according to air quality monitoring website IQAir.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jakarta's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 164, with PM2.5 particle concentration at 74 micrograms per cubic meter, 15 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guideline.

PM2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, pose significant health risks to humans, animals, and vegetation, and degrade aesthetic values.

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers to mitigate the adverse effects of poor air quality.

Despite the pollution, students are still required to attend school, raising concerns about the impact on children's health and learning, including potentially lower test scores, cognitive development issues, and respiratory conditions.

Singapore Intercultural School (SIS) is addressing this issue by partnering with air quality expert Nafas Indonesia to create Clean Air Zones (CAZ) across 10 SIS campuses in Indonesia. This initiative aims to provide over 4,500 students with cleaner and healthier air.

Jakarta's Air Quality Index Hits Hazardous Levels, Second Only to Kinshasa — Singapore Intercultural School (SIS) students studying outdoors at one of the 10 SIS campuses. Despite worsening air pollution in Jakarta, students are still required to attend school, raising concerns about the impact on children's health and learning, including potentially lower test scores. (Photo courtesy of SIS)

The pilot program at SIS schools in South Jakarta and SIS Kelapa Gading North East has already shown a significant reduction in air pollution, improving the learning environment and overall student well-being.

“Our collaboration aims to support SIS in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages by implementing clean air zone solutions in all SIS campuses,” Nathan Roestandy, CEO of Nafas Indonesia, said.

Aditya Shah, Managing Director of SIS Group of Schools, emphasized the importance of focusing on air quality for both academic success and student well-being.

The ten cities with the highest air pollution levels today, according to IQAir, are: