Antara, Jakarta – Jakarta's air quality is recorded as unhealthy, so people are advised to wear masks when outside the home, according to the IQAir website on Saturday morning, with an update at 5:00 a.m. WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

As reported by ANTARA, IQAir recorded Jakarta's air quality at 184 points with a PM 2.5 pollutant concentration of 102 micrograms per cubic meter, or 20.4 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual air quality guideline value.

PM 2.5 are particles smaller than 2.5 microns (micrometers) found in the air, including dust, smoke, and soot. Long-term exposure to these particles is linked to premature death, especially in people with chronic heart or lung disease.

Current health recommendations for improving air quality include wearing a mask, avoiding outdoor activities, keeping windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering, and using an air purifier.

Meanwhile, Jakarta's air quality was recorded as the third worst in Indonesia after Serpong, with an index of 240, and South Tangerang, with an index of 231.

Meanwhile, the Jakarta Provincial Government stated that Car Free Day (CFD) on Jalan H.R Rasuna Said and the Sudirman-Thamrin area has been proven to help reduce motor vehicle emissions, as well as reduce air pollution in Jakarta.

This decline is thought to be influenced by reduced vehicle traffic activity in the city center area during the event.

The transportation sector is a well-known contributor to air pollution in Jakarta. Therefore, the Jakarta Provincial Government continues to encourage a reduction in private vehicle use through various policies, including the Car Free Day.

In addition to providing the community with healthier and more comfortable public spaces, Car Free Day is also expected to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining air quality.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2108346/jakarta-air-quality-turns-unhealthy-people-urged-to-wear-mask