By World’s most polluted city is Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, according to data from Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. This city, home to over 10 million people, has consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities globally since May.
The air quality in Jakarta is frequently marked as unhealthy due to high levels of pollution. Residents have been vocal about the deteriorating environment and, in 2021, took legal action against the government. Their efforts resulted in a successful case, leading the government to make the decision to relocate the capital city from Jakarta to Nusantara.
The pollution woes stem from chronic traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and coal-fired power plants. The impact on health is alarming, with the court even ordering President Joko Widodo to implement national air quality standards to safeguard human health. The health concerns include respiratory and pulmonary diseases, as well as cognitive development issues in children.
The situation has raised concerns for children’s well-being as many suffer from common complaints like coughs and colds. Air pollution remains a critical global issue, contributing to an estimated seven million premature deaths annually. The United Nations has classified it as the single largest environmental health risk.
The struggles of Jakarta’s residents are evident, as many feel the need to wear masks constantly. Anggy Violita, a 32-year-old office worker in Jakarta, shared her experience of both physical and facial discomfort due to the polluted air.
In response to the crisis, Indonesia has made commitments to cease the construction of new coal-fired power plants starting in 2023. Additionally, the country aims to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2050.
