These are the 10 Indonesian regions with the worst air pollution in October 2023.

Serpong, South Tangerang, was named the area with the worst air pollution in Indonesia throughout October 2023. This is based on the latest data from the air quality monitoring application, Nafas.

Air pollution levels in Serpong were calculated based on the level of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 pollution. Serpong recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 76 micrograms per cubic meter.

The ideal air quality standard according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is a PM2.5 concentration between 0 and 5 micrograms per cubic meter. This means that the air quality in Serpong is 15.2 times worse than the WHO standard.

Based on the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) air quality index, a PM2.5 air pollution level in the range of 0-12 micrograms per cubic meter indicates good air quality, while the range of 12.1-35.4 micrograms per cubic meter indicates moderate air quality, and the range of 35.5-55.4 micrograms per cubic meter indicates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Furthermore, unhealthy air quality is in the range of 55.5-150.4 micrograms per cubic meter, very unhealthy air quality is in the range of 150.5-250.4 micrograms per cubic meter, and hazardous or toxic air quality has a range of more than 250.4 micrograms per cubic meter.

Referring to this index, the air quality in Serpong throughout October 2023 was classified as unhealthy.

Meanwhile, nine other areas with the worst air pollution levels in Indonesia also fell into the unhealthy category last month. The majority of these areas with the worst air pollution are located in South Tangerang, Tangerang, and West Jakarta.

Here are the 10 locations/areas with the highest PM 2.5 air pollution levels in Indonesia in October 2023:

1. Serpong, South Tangerang: 76 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
2. Karangsari, Tangerang: 75 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
3. Babakan, South Tangerang: 71 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
4. Parung Panjang, Bogor: 71 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
5. Tarumajaya, Bekasi: 70 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
6. Sindang Jaya, Tangerang: 69 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
7. Semanan, West Jakarta: 68 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
8. Kertamulya, West Bandung: 68 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
9. Bedahan, Depok: 68 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)
10. Kembangan Selatan, West Jakarta: 66 micrograms per cubic meter (unhealthy)