Not Jakarta, This is the Area with the Worst Air Quality in Indonesia (Wednesday, June 7, 2023)

Air quality in Jakarta has recently come under scrutiny from netizens due to worsening air pollution in the capital city.

This is in line with data from IQAir on Wednesday (7/6/2023) at 09.00 WIB, which showed the air quality index (AQI US) in Jakarta at 155.

This figure ranks Jakarta fourth among areas with the worst air quality in Indonesia this morning.

According to IQAir's reference, an index score in the range of 0-50 means good air quality, while the range of 51-100 means moderate air quality, and the range of 101-150 means unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Next, unhealthy air quality has a range of 151-200, then very unhealthy air quality is in the range of 201-300, and hazardous air quality has a range of over 301.

Meanwhile, the area in Indonesia with the worst air quality this morning is Cileungsir, West Java, with an air quality index of 173. Next are Pasarkemis, West Java, and South Tangerang, Banten, with air quality indices of 158 respectively.

The following is a list of the 10 areas with the worst air quality in Indonesia on June 7, 2023, at 09.00 WIB:

1. Cileungsir (West Java): 173 AQI index score
2. Pasarkemis (West Java): 158 AQI index score
3. South Tangerang (Banten): 158 AQI index score
4. Jakarta (DKI Jakarta): 155 AQI index score
5. Bekasi City (West Java): 154 AQI index score
6. Surabaya City (East Java): 151 AQI index score
7. Serang Regency (Banten): 132 AQI index score
8. Bandung City (West Java): 99 AQI index score
9. Indralaya (South Sumatra): 78 AQI index score
10. Semarapura (Bali): 76 AQI index score

Globally, Jakarta ranks 7th among cities with the worst air quality in the world this morning. The top position is held by New Delhi, India, with an index score of 217. This is followed by New York City, USA, and Doha, Qatar, with index scores of 191 and 164 respectively.

Feni Fitriani, a pulmonologist from the Indonesian Respiratory Doctors Association (PDPI), said that sensitive groups should be more vigilant about air quality, especially in Jakarta. "For groups who are sensitive to these conditions (poor air quality), they certainly need to be more vigilant. The best principle is to avoid it," said Feni, as quoted from Antara, Tuesday (6/7/2023).

The sensitive groups referred to are people who are vulnerable to air pollution, such as pregnant women, toddlers, and the elderly.

Therefore, Feni urged sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities if not necessary. However, if conditions require going outdoors, Feni suggested always using a mask and estimating the duration of time spent outdoors.