Clearing the Air: Tackling Air Pollution in Indonesia

Indonesia is a land of stunning beauty, known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the enchanting island of Bali to the breathtaking Komodo National Park and the towering peaks of Papua, Indonesia’s natural wonders captivate millions of visitors each year. However, beneath this beauty lies an environmental challenge that threatens its allure: air pollution. This blog delves into the areas most affected by air pollution in Indonesia, its underlying causes, and the innovative steps the government is taking to address the issue. Let’s explore how Indonesia protects its environment and people while contributing to the global fight against climate change.

Where Is Air Pollution Most Severe in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s cities and industrial regions bear the brunt of its air pollution crisis. Jakarta, the bustling capital, is often listed among the most polluted cities in the world. Data from IQAir highlights that South Tangerang, located in Banten Province, also struggles with hazardous air quality, driven by rapid urban development, heavy traffic, and industrial activities (IQAir).

But pollution isn’t confined to urban centers. Rural areas are severely affected by deforestation and agricultural burning, which release large amounts of smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. According to UNEP data, these pollutants often travel significant distances, worsening air quality and even impacting neighboring nations (UNEP).

What Causes Air Pollution in Indonesia?

Air pollution in Indonesia has multiple causes, including:

• Vehicle Emissions: With millions of vehicles congesting Indonesia’s roads, exhaust fumes significantly contribute to urban air pollution. According to studies, transportation accounts for nearly 70% of air pollution in Jakarta alone.

• Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants emit pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, further degrading air quality.

• Deforestation and Agricultural Practices: Slash-and-burn techniques to clear land for palm oil plantations result in thick haze and greenhouse gas emissions, a major source of pollution during the dry season.

• Coal Dependency: Despite growing renewable energy initiatives, coal remains a dominant source of electricity in Indonesia, releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and particulates.

• Construction and Urbanization: Rapid urban growth generates dust and pollutants from large-scale construction activities, worsening the air quality in expanding cities.

Credit by: https://aliansizerowaste.id/2021/10/27/gugatan-polusi-udara-dibacakan-jakarta-butuh-perubahan/ 

How Bad Is the Air Pollution?

Air pollution in Indonesia is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI). IQAir’s data shows Jakarta frequently records AQI levels exceeding 150, categorized as “unhealthy.” Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in urban areas are often 4-5 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe threshold. This exposure significantly impacts public health, with respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, and premature deaths linked to prolonged exposure to polluted air.

What Is Indonesia Doing to Combat Air Pollution?

Indonesia is taking bold steps to address its air pollution problem and mitigate its effects on climate change:

1. Transitioning to Renewable Energy: The government has pledged to generate 71 gigawatts of power capacity by 2030, with 70% coming from renewable sources. This initiative aims to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants (Reuters).

2. FOLU Net Sink 2030: The Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink initiative targets a reduction of 140 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2030 through reforestation and sustainable land management practices (PPID).

3. Carbon Tax and Trading: Introduced in 2022, the carbon tax incentivizes industries to adopt sustainable practices. A domestic emissions trading system is also being implemented to curb industrial emissions effectively.

4. Phasing Out Coal: Indonesia plans to retire all coal-fired power plants by 2050, aligning with its goal to achieve net-zero emissions. This ambitious move demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustainable energy (Reuters).

5. Improving Public Transportation: Investments in mass transit systems like MRT Jakarta aim to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions in urban areas.

6. Stronger Regulations and Public Awareness: The government has introduced stricter emission standards and campaigns to educate the public about air pollution’s health impacts.

Conclusion: A Message to the World

Air pollution in Indonesia is a serious issue, but its efforts to combat it reflect a commitment to sustainable development and global climate goals. From expanding renewable energy to implementing reforestation projects, Indonesia is showing the world that balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship is possible.

As individuals, we can play our part by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting green initiatives, and spreading awareness about sustainable practices. Together, we can ensure that Indonesia’s natural beauty remains a source of inspiration for future generations. How will you contribute to this mission of clearing Indonesia’s skies and protecting our shared planet?