Jakarta Ranks 5th Among Cities With Worst Air Quality Globally

The pollution-covered atmosphere of Monas (National Monument) in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday, June 21, 2024. Based on the data from the IQAir air quality monitoring site at 15:53 WIB (Western Indonesian Time), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Jakarta was at 155, which placed it as the big city with the second worst air quality in the world behind Kinshasa, Congo. (ANTARA FOTO/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Monday, June 2, 2025, data from the air quality monitoring site IQAir showed that Jakarta had the fifth worst air quality in the world.

At 05:00 AM, Jakarta’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 140, a level categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, topped the list with an AQI of 164, followed by Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a reading of 160. Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked third at 156.

Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)

According to the American Lung Association, the AQI is a tool designed to alert the public when air pollution reaches levels that could harm human health.

The index tracks key pollutants such as tropospheric ozone (commonly known as smog) and fine particles (PM) originating from sources like vehicle emissions, industrial activity, power plants, and smoke. It also includes other widespread air pollutants.

AQI data is shared throughout the year via newspapers, radio, television, and online platforms. Regular access to this information allows the public to take precautions, particularly to protect children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions from harmful exposure.

Jakarta’s Response to Air Pollution

In response to the worsening air quality, the Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLH) is taking steps to learn from other major cities like Paris and Bangkok.

The agency is focusing on improving air quality monitoring across the capital. Currently, Jakarta has 111 air quality monitoring stations (SPKU), a significant increase from just five in previous years. This effort is part of a broader initiative to replicate successful strategies used in cities such as Bangkok, which has 1,000 monitoring stations, and Paris with 400.

“Learning from other cities, Bangkok has 1,000 air quality monitoring stations, Paris has 400. Jakarta currently has 111, up from only five units previously. In the future, we will increase the number so that we can intervene more quickly and accurately,” said Asep Kuswanto, Head of Jakarta’s Environmental Agency, as quoted by Antara on Monday, June 2, 2025.

The addition of these stations is expected to speed up and refine Jakarta's response to pollution by providing more reliable data. Transparency in data presentation is also emphasized, as it plays a vital role in designing effective policies.

The DLH also stressed that addressing air pollution requires more than temporary fixes. A long-term and consistent strategy is essential. As part of this, the agency plans to add 1,000 low-cost air quality sensors to broaden monitoring coverage and enhance data precision.

Key Causes of Poor Air Quality

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 99 percent of the global population breathes air that exceeds safe limits. Exposure is especially high in low- and middle-income countries.

Poor air quality not only poses a threat to human health but also contributes to global climate and ecosystem damage. Major sources of air pollution include the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases and pollutants.

Household combustion devices, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and forest fires are among the leading contributors. The pollutants of greatest concern for public health include fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), ground-level ozone (O), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and sulfur dioxide (SO).

As Jakarta continues to battle air pollution, a coordinated approach involving policy, technology, and public awareness will be critical to making lasting improvements.

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