Indonesia's Jakarta and Tangerang South report unsafe air quality levels

Jakarta recorded an AQI of 170 on Saturday, ranking it as the second‑worst city worldwide for air quality, with PM2.5 concentration at 75.3 µg/m³. The Antara report warned that the level is unhealthy for sensitive groups and advised residents to limit outdoor activity, wear masks and keep windows closed. The provincial government said it will boost monitoring systems, test vehicle emissions and coordinate across agencies to curb pollution during the upcoming dry season.

In neighboring Tangerang Selatan, Banten, the AQI reached 198 on Friday, making it the most polluted area in Indonesia that morning. IQAir data placed Tangerang (177), Bandung (172), Surabaya (163) and Jakarta (156) also in the "unhealthy" category. The BMKG and health officials repeatedly urged the public, especially children, the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions, to stay indoors and use masks. The reports listed several global cities with cleaner air, such as Melbourne and Rotterdam, and noted that Kinshasa, Delhi and other capitals remain among the dirtiest.

Both articles highlight the growing health risks from particulate pollution in Indonesia’s largest urban centers and the need for coordinated mitigation measures.