Addressing Air Pollution in Jakarta’s Commuter Problem

Addressing Air Pollution in Jakarta’s Commuter Problem

The air quality in the city of Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, remains a significant concern due to the high levels of pollution, particularly from commuter vehicles that enter the city on a daily basis. Dr. Driejana, an associate professor at Institut Teknologi Bandung and a leading expert for Jakarta’s Grand Design in Air Pollution Control, provides insight into the severity of the situation.

The emissions from vehicles commuting from the outskirts of Jakarta significantly contribute to the city’s air pollution. The effects of this pollution are felt by the city’s 10 million residents, with health costs estimated at 38.5 billion rupiah or US$4.3 million in 2010. It is important to note that not all of the air pollution originates from within the city itself.

A considerable amount of air pollution drifts into Jakarta from surrounding areas and is exacerbated by the daily influx of commuters. Managing pollution in Jakarta is complicated by these external sources of pollution, including emissions from power plants located within a 20 to 55-kilometer radius of the city.

The health implications of air pollution in Jakarta are deeply concerning, with an estimated 123,000 premature deaths in Indonesia annually due to air pollution-related illnesses. These include respiratory diseases such as asthma and pneumonia, affecting over half of Jakarta’s population in 2010 and resulting in an average life expectancy reduction of 2.3 years.

The impact of air pollution is further exacerbated by weather conditions, as sunny days often lead to the formation of photochemical smog in Jakarta’s atmosphere. The high levels of sunshine throughout the year contribute to the severity of this issue. In response to these challenges, citizens filed a lawsuit against the government, leading to the enforcement of stronger emissions standards in 2021.

Reliable monitoring stations in Jakarta consistently report high levels of air pollution, with ozone and harmful particulate matter exceeding ambient air quality standards. The excessive concentration of these pollutants in the atmosphere contributes to the prevalence of photochemical smog, further jeopardizing the health of Jakarta’s residents.

The transportation sector, particularly private vehicles, serves as a significant source of emissions within Jakarta. Residential developments and dense road networks cover 85 percent of the city, increasing the risk of exposure to outdoor air pollutants for residents living in close proximity to busy roads.

Moreover, the sheer number of vehicles registered in Jakarta—over 20 million as of 2020—contributes to the city’s pollution woes. These vehicles are responsible for approximately 22 million daily trips within the metropolitan area, highlighting the urgency of transitioning to more sustainable modes of transportation.

Efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate air pollution in Jakarta involve the coordination of policies with neighboring jurisdictions, acknowledging that commuter vehicles also contribute to the city’s pollution levels. The government aims to shift 60 percent of private vehicles to public transport by 2030 through the implementation of public transport infrastructure and transit-based spatial planning.

However, promoting public transport requires a change in behavior and might challenge the comfort of door-to-door transportation, especially by motorcycles. Therefore, public education campaigns and incentives such as gamification are essential to raise awareness and encourage the use of public and non-motorized transportation.

In addition to promoting public transport, efforts to use cleaner fuels such as natural gas and electricity for public vehicles are also underway. The reduction in trips due to remote work arrangements during the pandemic has shown potential in improving air quality and is being considered as a long-term strategy.

As Jakarta moves towards cleaner air and sustainable urban development, the implementation of these initiatives is crucial in addressing the city’s air pollution issues. Furthermore, the support of the Jakarta Province Environment Agency ensures the advancement of environmentally friendly policies.

In conclusion, addressing Jakarta’s commuter pollution problem requires a multi-faceted approach, involving the cooperation of government entities, public education, and long-term urban planning. The commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality is essential for the well-being of Jakarta’s residents and the sustainability of the city.