Jakarta's Air Quality Unhealthy Today, Among World's Worst

KBRN, Jakarta: Air quality in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, was categorized as unhealthy, especially for vulnerable people, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Jakarta's particulate matter (PM2.5) level reached 2.5.

According to IQAir, an air quality monitoring site, Jakarta ranked 11th among cities with the world's worst air quality, with an air quality index (AQI) of 114.

IQAir reported that Lahore, Pakistan, had the world's worst air quality, with an AQI of 171. Kuwait City, Kuwait, followed in second place with an AQI of 160.

Chengdu, China, was third with an AQI of 158, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was fourth with 153.

Jakarta's Environmental Agency plans to follow the example of major world cities like Paris and Bangkok in addressing air pollution.

The Agency's Head Asep Kuswanto said Bangkok has 1,000 Air Quality Monitoring Stations (SPKU), while Paris has 400 SPKU.

"Jakarta currently has 111 SPKUs, a significant increase from the previous five units," Asep said.

"The agency plans to increase this number to enable faster and more accurate interventions," Kuswanto said, adding that data disclosure is essential in systematically improving air quality.

Asep said the air pollution data submission must be more open to make the intervention more effective. He assessed that Jakarta requires more sustainable and comprehensive measures in dealing with air pollution, not just temporary interventions.

Jakarta's Environmental Agency aims to add 1,000 low-cost air quality sensors for broader and more accurate monitoring. ***

Translator: Gusti Panji

Editor: Lasti Martina