Jakarta. Air quality in Jakarta plummeted to unhealthy levels on Tuesday morning, earning the city the title of being the world's most polluted. According to IQ Air, an air quality monitoring website, at 06:10 a.m. Jakarta time, the air quality in DKI Jakarta was rated as unhealthy, with a reading of 175 based on PM2.5 concentrations of 90 micrograms per cubic meter.

Such concentrations are 18 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual air quality guidelines. PM2.5 refers to airborne particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which can be harmful to human health, sensitive animal groups, and vegetation, besides impacting aesthetic values.

The website recommends that residents avoid outdoor activities and wear masks if they must venture outside. It also suggests keeping windows closed to prevent dirty outdoor air from entering homes.

The same data reveals that Medan (Indonesia) follows Jakarta as the second most polluted city globally, with a rating of 170, trailed by Kinshasa (Congo) at 159, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) at 139, and Delhi (India) at 129.

Previously, the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, issued Governor's Decree No. 593 of 2023, establishing the Air Pollution Control Task Force to expedite efforts in managing air pollution.

The scope of this task force includes developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for air pollution management in the Jakarta Province, controlling air pollution from industrial activities, periodic monitoring of air quality, and assessing health impacts.

Additionally, the task force will focus on preventing pollution sources, including both mobile and stationary sources, addressing disturbances, and managing emergencies. It will enforce mandatory vehicle emission testing, renew public transportation, develop environmentally friendly transportation options, increase green spaces, promote tree planting, and engage communities in air quality improvement efforts.

Furthermore, it will oversee compliance with licensing regulations related to air pollution and take enforcement actions against violators.