Jakarta. Jakarta plans to deploy up to 10,000 electric buses by 2030 to curb chronic air pollution, Governor Pramono Anung said on Monday.

Air pollution remains a persistent challenge for the Indonesian capital. On Sunday morning, Jakarta ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 182. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels reached 100 micrograms per cubic meter, well above safe thresholds.

The city’s air quality frequently falls into the “unhealthy” category, typically ranging between 100 and above 150 on the AQI scale, largely driven by PM2.5 pollution — a key contributor to respiratory illness. Major sources include vehicle emissions, industrial activity and waste burning.

Pramono said expanding the electric bus fleet is central to efforts to reduce emissions. “We are targeting around 10,000 electric buses by 2030. Currently, we have about 460 units, and we plan to procure more next year,” he said at City Hall.

The planned expansion also aims to address public complaints over long waiting times for TransJakarta services, which have been affected by seasonal factors such as heavy rainfall and fluctuations in fleet availability. Increasing the number of buses is expected to improve service reliability and capacity.

In parallel, the city is developing waste-to-energy plants to help cut pollution and generate up to 120 megawatts of electricity. Officials say the initiative could reduce reliance on coal-fired power, including plants in Suralaya, Banten, which contribute to pollution affecting Jakarta.

“Jakarta is moving quickly to address pollution, including through waste-to-energy development and by reducing dependence on coal-fired power,” Pramono said.

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