Jakarta's Air Quality Hits Unhealthy Levels, Ranked Second Worst Worldwide

The Air Quality Index in Indonesia's capital reached unhealthy levels, with recent readings of 159 AQI+ and a later measurement of 175 AQI, placing Jakarta as the second most polluted city globally after Lahore, Pakistan. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations hit 88.5 µg/m³, prompting health warnings for children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when outside.

Jakarta's provincial government is expanding public‑transport options, targeting 10,000 electric buses by 2030, offering free transit for fifteen vulnerable groups, and accelerating waste‑treatment facilities to curb emissions from transport and solid‑waste sources. These measures aim to lower the city's contribution to air pollution and protect public health.