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Indonesia has been grappling with a pressing issue that puts our health at risk: air pollution. How can we safeguard our well-being against this environmental challenge?
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For quite some time now, air pollution has dominated conversations across Indonesia, particularly in the nation’s capital of Jakarta. You’ve likely seen it, too: Photos of the hazy cityscape popping up on social media, showing the skyline blanketed in smog.
The consequences of the current level of air pollution are far-reaching. Breathing becomes uncomfortable and many, especially children and older people, may face various health problem. Even President Joko Widodo reportedly struggled with persistent coughing, prompting a call for government intervention. With all that in mind, let’s dig deeper into the situation and explore ways to shield ourselves from the adverse effects.
UNDERSTANDING THE CULPRIT 
Before tackling the problem, let’s first understand what contaminates the air we breathe. Specifically, it’s important to understand this crisis’ keyword: Particulate Matter (PM). According to IQAir, a Swiss air quality tech company, PM refers to airborne particles, including dirt, dust, smoke and moisture droplets.
Particulate matter comes in different sizes, but the more dangerous kind is PM2.5. The Indonesian Agency for Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysics defines PM2.5 as particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Due to its size, PM2.5 poses a much bigger health risk as these particles are actually small enough to penetrate deep into vital organs, including the lungs and bloodstream.
Just how much PM2.5 is considered dangerous? In the World Health Organization’s global Air Quality Guidelines that includes limits for primary air pollutants, it’s noted that the daily average concentration of PM2.5 should not surpass 15 µg/m ±. Alarmingly, CNBC Indonesia reported that on August 21, 2023, the concentration of PM2.5 in Jakarta’s air peaked at 78 µg/m ±, a staggering five times higher than WHO’s limit.
IDENTIFYING THE SOURCES 
While cars often take the blame, they are merely one piece of the puzzle. CNN Indonesia reports that coal-fired power plants play a significant role in exacerbating the problem. A total of 16 power plants surrounds the city and contribute to pollution. Additionally, Deutsche Weile mentioned that 61.96 percent of the sulfur dioxide—which is a significant pollutant—comes from the industrial sector. Low wind speeds in the city worsen air stagnation, while the absence of rain means that natural cleansing of pollutants is limited.
But that’s not all. VOI notes that simple household activities can worsen the issue. Cooking with open fires or inefficient kerosene-fueled stoves generates pollutants as well. Backyard burning of trash remains a common practice. In the end, air pollution is a complex environmental issue where everyone (yes, everyone) plays a role in the problem.
THE HEALTH IMPACT
Inhaling polluted air poses a serious risk to our health. Toxic chemicals enter our bodies with every breath, affecting vital organs. WebMD lists myriad respiratory issues caused by air pollution, including asthma development, chronic bronchitis, respiratory infections and lung inflammation. More commonly, nose and eye irritation can also occur due to exposure to airborne pollutants.
The respiratory system is not the sole target; high exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of heart disease, according to the British Heart Foundation. In line with this, Alodokter states that air pollution can lead to various skin problems, ranging from irritation and allergic reactions to cancer. Our mental health could also be at stake. Recent research by Kamaldeep Bhui et al. indicates that some pollutants can trigger or worsen depression and anxiety.
In general, air pollution significantly reduces our overall quality of life. An article in The Telegraph highlights the latest study by The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago which reports that global air pollution reduces life expectancy by an average of 2.3 years. The study also mentions six countries facing the worst air pollution; sadly, Indonesia is on the list.
PROTECTING OURSELVES 
While solving the air pollution problem may take time, we can take steps to safeguard our health. IQAir recommends wearing a mask and closing windows to prevent contaminated outdoor air from entering the house. Air purifiers can help cleanse indoor air and spending more time indoors reduces exposure to pollutants. Furthermore, don’t skip your skincare routines and consume a diet rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
There’s actually plenty of things we can collectively do to combat air pollution. Opt for public transportation instead of personal vehicles. When cooking, consider using an electric stove rather than a gas-fueled one. Turn off lights and other devices when not in use, and plant more trees.
Air pollution is a serious problem and addressing it requires collective effort. However, we can protect ourselves from its health impacts with proper precautions. And by taking steps to reduce pollution, we move closer to a day when we can breathe fresher, cleaner air.
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