TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Director of Air Quality Protection and Management at the Indonesian Environment and Forestry Ministry, Edward Nixon Pakpahan, explained several factors that significantly affect the air quality in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek). Apart from the transition from rainy to dry season, air quality declines due to seasonal factors, weather, and human activities.
"Through modeling and simulation, it has been proven that the cycle, weather, and wind movement cause air quality to deteriorate," he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Nixon said every year, during the dry season, the wind blows from the south to the west. When the rainfall is minimal, the wind that moves from other regions towards Jakarta and its surrounding areas has the potential to carry pollution.
The Environment and Forestry Ministry previously stated that the air quality in Jabodetabek has been unhealthy for the past month. According to the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU), the concentration value of PM2.5 has exceeded 100 parts per million (ppm) while the standard value is 55.
Industrial activities that do not meet technical requirements also contribute to air pollution. Transportation emissions and open burning activities also disrupt the environment.
Referring to the study conducted by the Environment and Forestry Ministry, the transportation sector is the main contributor to emissions, accounting for 42-52 percent. Contributions from industrial activities are around 14-17 percent, open burning is around 7 percent, and construction activities are around 13 percent.
The transportation sector is the largest emitter due to the sulfur content in fuel. According to Nixon, Gasoline in Indonesia contains between 350 and 550 ppm of sulfur, while diesel contains 1,200 ppm. These figures are far from the Euro 4 standard that limits sulfur to only 50 ppm.
The conversion from coal to environmentally friendly fuels is also crucial in the industrial sector. Emissions from coal are considerable, given its use not only for Steam Power Plants (PLTU), but also for small and medium-scale industries. "We have to reduce, if possible, eliminate it," he said.
Editor's Choice: Air Quality of Greater Jakarta 'Unhealthy' in May, Environment Ministry Says
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Air Quality of Greater Jakarta 'Unhealthy' in May, Environment Ministry Says
14 jam lalu
The air quality in Greater Jakarta was deemed unhealthy for the past month, the ministry said.
Jakarta Defence Society and Lacroix Conduct Defense Training
22 jam lalu
The Jakarta Defence Society (JDS) and the French company Lacroix hold defense training at Antara Building, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Maarten Paes Joins Garuda Squad for Training Camp Ahead Home Match Against China
1 hari lalu
Maarten Paes is the last player to join the Indonesian National Team training ahead of the match against China.
Indonesian National Team Assembles for First Jakarta Training Session
2 hari lalu
In preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China, the Indonesian National Team gathers in Jakarta for a training session.
Indonesia Unveils Rp24 Trillion Economic Stimulus Package
2 hari lalu
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati explained that President Prabowo has decided on five policy groups within this stimulus package.
10 Cultural Festivals Across Indonesia to Visit in June, One in Bali
2 hari lalu
The month of June in Indonesia will be brimming with festivals and celebrations. Here are some of them.
Celebrating Jakarta's Anniversary: Here Are Theme, Agenda, and Festivities
3 hari lalu
The peak of Jakarta's anniversary agenda will be on Sunday, June 22, 2025, with the holding of "The Bustle of Jakarta's Anniversary."
BMKG Predicts Afternoon to Evening Rain in Jakarta and Surrounding Areas
3 hari lalu
Local showers with the potential of strong winds are predicted to hit some areas of North Jakarta, Tangerang, and Bogor, according to the BMKG.
BMKG Forecasts Partly Cloudy Weather in Greater Jakarta Today
5 hari lalu
Meanwhile, BMKG forecasts drizzles in Bogor and Bekasi.
Explore Jakarta's Museums: Exciting Activities This Weekend
5 hari lalu
Museum visitors can enjoy various activities from scavenger hunts, meditation, to Astronomy Night.
