Jakarta's bleak skies have garnered significant attention from its residents due to the alarming air quality in the capital city. The persistent grey sky serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of poor air quality on the local population. The most notable consequence of this grim situation is the widespread occurrence of Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA), which has become a common health concern for many Jakarta residents. Recognising the urgency of the situation, efforts to address Jakarta's air quality issue have gained momentum. Resilience Development Initiative (RDI) has forged partnerships with influential organisations, including C40 Cities, World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLHK Jakarta), and Vital Strategies. This collaborative approach aims to comprehensively tackle the problem by combining expertise, resources, and innovative solutions.
C40 Cities, in particular, is actively engaged in two pivotal projects with RDI and Jakarta’s Environmental Agency. Firstly, the Low-Cost Sensor (LCS) Regulatory Recommendations, with the aim of deploying air quality sensors across Jakarta to provide real-time data. Additionally, they support early warning systems for air quality, bolstering the city's ability to address this pressing concern. Secondly, the Air Quality & Health Analysis revolves around utilising the Air Quality through Urban Actions (AQUA) toolkit to assess public health in the context of Jakarta's transportation policies. This toolkit offers rapid health analysis based on ambient PM2.5 concentrations and advanced health analysis that incorporates user-defined pollution data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of air pollution on health and productivity.
In order to validate the latest study results and findings on the air quality monitoring topic, the Validation Workshop titled 'Implementation Guide for Low-cost Sensors (LCS) & Collaborative Efforts to Improve Jakarta Air Quality Monitoring was conducted on 31 August 2023. This event brought together stakeholders and experts to delve into crucial aspects of implementing LCS technology and fostering collaboration for improved air quality monitoring in the city. During the workshop, key insights were shared regarding LCS placement, data management, and collaborative strategies. The dialogue session included representatives from various stakeholders, such as the Jakarta Environmental Agency, NAFAS - Indonesia Air Quality, and Greenpeace. Discussions highlighted the importance of data sharing, standardised calibration, public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and the potential for future collaborative projects. To sum up, the concerted efforts and commitment demonstrated by stakeholders and organisations signal a positive trajectory in Jakarta’s fight against air pollution. Furthermore, collaborative initiatives, data-driven approaches, and public engagement strategies offer hope for a future with cleaner air and an improved quality of life for the city's inhabitants.
Written by: Martha Verena
