Jakarta Records World's Fourth-Worst Air Quality on Friday Morning

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta's air quality was ranked the fourth worst in the world on Friday, according to data from the air quality monitoring site IQAir at 6:00 a.m. local time.According to ANTARA, the air quality index (AQI) in the metropolitan city is at 147, placing it in the "unhealthy" category for sensitive groups. People are also advised to wear masks when carrying out outdoor activities.Meanwhile, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo has the worst air quality in the world, with an air quality index of 174. Second place goes to Kampala, Uganda, with an air quality index of 154. Third place goes to Lahore, Pakistan, with an air quality index of 151.The Jakarta Provincial Government has prepared three main strategies to improve air quality, which are currently being implemented.First, expand the reach of Transjabodetabek bus services to reduce the use of private vehicles. Examples include the Blok M-Alam Sutera and Blok M-PIK 2 routes, as well as the planned Blok M-Soekarno Hatta Airport route.Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung also invited the public to use the public transportation services provided by the provincial government. In fact, Jakarta has issued regulations for the implementation of free public transportation services for 15 community groups.Jakarta's transportation connectivity currently stands at 92 percent, placing it 17th in the world and second in ASEAN after Singapore. Furthermore, the transportation sector currently contributes 50 percent of Jakarta's exhaust emissions. Therefore, Pramono has set a target of operating 10,000 Transjakarta electric buses by 2030."If that can be done, it will significantly reduce the contribution to emissions," said Pramono while attending a Townhall Meeting discussing issues and solutions to overcome air pollution at Melting Pop, M Bloc, Kebayoran Baru, on February 2.In addition to transportation, the Jakarta Provincial Government is focusing on waste management. The government is accelerating the construction of intermediate treatment facilities (ITFs) in Sunter, Rorotan, Bantargebang, and West Jakarta. The project is expected to begin operating by mid-year."If this can be done, it will significantly reduce or even lower the emissions contribution in Jakarta," he emphasized.Read: Jakarta Weather Forecast: Partly Cloudy Skies Expected FridayClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News