Sources of Jakarta's Air Pollution: From Exhaust Fumes to Sea Salt

According to a research report by Vital Strategies and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) titled *Main Sources of Air Pollution in DKI Jakarta*, Jakarta's air pollution largely originates from the transportation sector.

"Vehicle exhaust fumes, coal combustion, open burning, construction, road dust, and suspended soil particles are the main sources of air pollution in Jakarta," stated the Vital Strategies team in their report.

Vital Strategies and ITB monitored Jakarta's air pollution during the dry season from July to September 2019. Monitoring was conducted by collecting PM 2.5 air pollutant particles at three locations: the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium area, Kebon Jeruk, and Lubang Buaya.

These locations were chosen as monitoring points based on land use features, weather, and other considerations to capture potential variations in air pollution sources.

The results showed that vehicle exhaust fumes were the dominant source of PM 2.5 pollution in these three areas.

The contribution of vehicle exhaust fumes was highest in Kebon Jeruk at 57%, followed by Lubang Buaya (43%) and GBK (42%).

"Gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles contributed 32%-57% to PM2.5 levels, although the proportion from on-road vehicles and off-road emissions such as logistics vehicles could not be determined," the Vital Strategies team stated in their report.

Jakarta's air pollution also originates from non-vehicle sources, namely coal combustion, open burning, construction activities (non-combustion), road dust, and natural sources such as soil and sea salt carried by the wind.

The contribution of non-vehicle pollution sources was highest in Lubang Buaya (46%), followed by Kebon Jeruk (42%), and GBK (34%).

Secondary aerosols ranked third as a source of Jakarta's air pollution. The report stated that this source is formed when initial gaseous pollutants such as sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

The contribution of secondary aerosols was the smallest among other air pollution sources in Jakarta. On the other hand, there were also air pollution sources that were not detected in the report.

They also found that Jakarta's air pollution was significantly worse during the dry season than during the rainy season.

According to the report, the annual average concentration of PM2.5 (air pollutant particles) in Jakarta is four to five times higher than the WHO Air Quality Guideline standards.

The Vital Strategies team also recommended several measures based on their study to improve Jakarta's air quality. These include limiting vehicle exhaust emissions, implementing a ban on open burning, reducing coal combustion, and controlling construction dust.