Jakarta Air Pollution

Abstract

The declining air quality in the capital city of Jakarta is currently deeply concerning. Besides disrupting daily activities, it also poses health risks and diseases for both the local population and all of Indonesia. In addition to natural factors, human activities play a pivotal role in this case, with vehicle emissions and industrial manufacturing ranking as the top contributors to air pollution. According to the statement by the Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) Siti Nurbaya, motorized vehicles are the leading cause of air pollution. In her records, there were 24.5 million motorized vehicles in 2022, with 19.2 million of them being motorcycles. The potential health impacts on humans include respiratory problems, heart complications, and hypertension. In addition to the scarcity of green spaces, a lack of public awareness is a significant factor contributing to this issue. Rampant development by the government, often at the expense of green areas, has left some regions barren. This, in turn, makes them susceptible to natural disasters when they occur. The importance of awareness in such a situation is the key to minimizing the pollution levels in Jakarta. Implementing restrictions on private vehicle use, promoting public transportation, and expanding green spaces can be reliable and guaranteed solutions in this regard.