Jakarta Weeps

Numerous international media agencies were intrigued by the headline. CNN reports that "Jakarta is the most polluted city on the planet. And Indonesia's leader may have a cough to prove it."

Also on BBC: living with asthma in the most polluted city on earth, Jakarta.

What's wrong with Jakarta? Why has air pollution in Jakarta surpassed that of other severely polluted cities in India, Bangladesh, China, and African nations? In what ways have we acted irresponsibly?

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Let's begin by discussing what has been reported, how air pollution is measured, and the history of the organization that measures air pollution.

IQAir data indicates that Jakarta will be the most polluted metropolis in the world from June to August 2023. Depending on when it is assessed, the level of Jakarta's air quality fluctuates continuously. From June to August of 2023, the scale ranges between 151 and 162.

IQAir classifies levels of air pollution based on measured values. Good air quality is indicated by an index value between 0 and 50, while moderate air quality is indicated by an index value between 51 and 100.

A value between 101 and 150 indicates unhealthy air quality for sensitive populations, while a value of 151 or higher indicates extremely unhealthy air quality for all. A value of IQAir greater than 300 indicates hazardous air quality.

Even though Jakarta's air quality has not yet reached a dangerous level (above 300), anything above 150 is considered deleterious. It is advised to avoid breathing in too much outdoor air in Jakarta.

Cities such as Doha (Qatar), Kuching (Malaysia), Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) also have inadequate air quality. Baghdad (Iraq), Shenyang (China), and Johannesburg (South Africa) have worse air quality than Jakarta but are nonetheless better off.

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The severity of air pollution is determined by a measurement (a type of index) devised by IQAir. It was originally a business that expanded to offer monitoring and information services for air quality. Data for IQAir is gathered from a variety of sources, including sensors on the ground, satellite data, and government reports.

In 1963, Manfred and Klaus Hammes founded IQAir. In Germany, they introduced an air filter system for residential furnaces powered by coal.

Initially, they merely desired to reduce the accumulation of soot on the walls behind the furnace in their own residence. Manfred Hammes, a lifelong asthmatic, observed that the filter can actually reduce his asthma attacks during the winter. They founded a company that specializes in air purifiers. Their merchandise consisted of blowers and air humidifiers. These products were created to eliminate airborne contaminants and enhance indoor air quality.

IQAir, however, desired to provide public service and education to the general public as well. In 1999, in Switzerland, they devised a method for measuring air pollution.Since then, they have expanded their monitoring network to more than one hundred thousand locations in over one hundred fifty countries.

Now, the globe is reaping the benefits of IQAir's air pollution index.

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But what are the consequences of air pollution? Why should we give it a great deal of consideration? As a wake-up call, we need an example of lethal air pollution. The most notable incident was the Great Smog of London.

It only reached its zenith for four days. This occurred from December 5 to December 9, 1952. Anticyclones and windless conditions occurred alongside unusually frigid weather. This collected airborne contaminants. The smog was so dense that it obscured the sun and made visibility challenging. Residents were advised to remain indoors at the time. However, many individuals disregarded this advice and went outdoors.

As it came out, the smog caused respiratory issues as well as other health problems. The smog is estimated to have killed between 12,000 and 40,000 persons.

What caused London's Great Smog?

The primary culprit was the usage of coal for heating and cooking. At the time, coal was the principal energy source for many homes and businesses in London. Coal combustion produces air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particles.

The cold weather was also a significant factor. The lack of wind and cold air generated a stagnant atmosphere that trapped pollutants. London's geographical location also played a role. London is a basin encompassed by hills. This circumstance aided to trap the smog.

The Great Smog of London is remembered as a moment of calamity and transformation. It claimed numerous lives. However, it also resulted in significant modifications to air pollution control. The Clean Air Act of 1956 was enacted in London in response to the catastrophe of the Great Smog.

This law led to a substantial decrease in the use of coal and other air-polluting sources. The Great Smog's influence also extended to other nations. The Clean Air Act of 1970 has helped minimize air pollution from automobiles, factories, and power plants in the United States. Beijing's government has taken a number of measures to enhance air quality, including the closure of coal-fired power plants and the investment in public transportation.

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What about Jakarta's air pollution? What are the causes and possible remedies? What actions should government take? What can the neighborhood do?

Not the same as London or Jakarta. There are numerous contributors to Jakarta's air pollution, including:

1. Jakarta has a population of more than 11 million people, which contributes to vehicle emissions. The amount of automobiles on the road continues to rise. This is the primary contributor to air pollution. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate are emitted by vehicles.
   

2. Jakarta is a city undergoing accelerated development, which has led to an increase in construction dust. Numerous construction activities are performed. This construction material contributes to the pollution of the atmosphere.
   

3. Coal-fired power plants: Jakarta is encircled by a number of power plants that emit hazardous air pollutants. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) disclosed that ten coal-fired power facilities may contribute to air pollution in the capital. If the wind is blowing in the direction of the capital, these ten power facilities may contribute to pollution.
   

4. Open burning, like garbage burning, is a major source of air pollution in Jakarta. This study indicates that 31 percent of households have developed a propensity of burning garbage. This is because they are unwilling to pay for trash collection. Furthermore, there is a prevalent belief in the community that burning waste at night can repel mosquitoes. The remaining ash can then be used as fertilizer for plants.

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What follows? Jakarta's air quality can be improved through a number of measures. Among these are:

1. To reduce the number of vehicles on the road, the government can encourage the use of public transportation, such as buses and trains.
   

2. Switching to cleaner sources of energy: To reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants, the government can transition to cleaner sources of energy, such as renewable energy.
   

3. The government can reduce this source of air pollution through the enforcement of open burning regulations. They can invest in air pollution control technology, such as filters and scrubbers, to reduce vehicle and factory emissions.
   

4. The general public can also contribute to reducing air pollution in Jakarta and other locations. For instance, reducing vehicle usage, particularly by transferring to public transportation or walking/cycling. Additionally, housewives must be socialized not to fire garbage.
   

5. Also required is the promotion of tree-planting movements. Or activities that promote environmental sustainability. The absorption of pollutants by trees and vegetation improves air quality. Those with a property can plant whatever trees they desire. Those who reside in rented homes or lodging houses can begin by placing planters on their balconies.

The Green Belt Movement is one of the most successful tree-planting movements in history. In Kenya in 1977, this movement was founded by Wangari Maathai. This movement has helped enhance the lives of millions of people by planting more than 51 million trees.

For her work with the Green Belt Movement, Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. In the struggle against deforestation and climate change, she is regarded as a pioneer.

No matter how small, we can reverse the situation by working together. Let's not allow Jakarta to be the air pollution champion of the globe for too long.

Don't let Jakarta to weep.

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Denny J.A