Jakarta. Jakarta residents were once again exposed to unhealthy air early this week, with the capital recording the seventh-worst air quality in Indonesia on Monday morning. Pollution levels exceeded recommended limits, prompting health warnings and calls for residents to wear masks when outdoors.

According to IQAir data updated at 5 a.m. local time, Jakarta’s air quality index stood at 154, with PM2.5 concentrations of 59.5 micrograms per cubic meter. The level was 11.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, including dust, smoke and soot. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 is associated with serious health risks, including premature death, particularly among people with chronic heart or lung conditions.

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has previously identified industrial emissions and container trucks as major sources of air pollution in Jakarta. He said there are around 6,800 registered industrial smokestacks across Greater Jakarta, while the number of unregistered smokestacks is believed to be even higher.

Health recommendations for periods of poor air quality include wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities. Residents are also advised to keep windows closed to prevent polluted outdoor air from entering their homes and to use air purifiers where available.

Jakarta ranked seventh among Indonesian cities with the worst air quality on Monday morning, behind Jambi at 209, Palembang at 202, Pekanbaru at 199, Pontianak at 190, Surabaya at 168 and Serpong at 166.

The Jakarta Regional Legislative Council’s Regional Regulation Drafting Committee (Bapemperda) has included a draft regulation on air pollution control in the 2027 regional regulation program.

Abdul Aziz, chairman of the committee, said regulations that protect public health and address environmental issues remain a priority for Jakarta.

He said air pollution requires stronger regulatory measures and that tighter environmental rules are needed to support the Jakarta administration’s efforts to mitigate the health impacts of poor air quality.

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