Air pollution in the capital city Jakarta has once again become a primary concern with significant increases in air pollution levels. This issue has become a serious matter for Jakarta residents and local government, who are working hard to address its negative impacts.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), PM2.5 particle levels have risen sharply. One of several key indicators of air pollution is the level of PM2.5 particles, which are extremely small particles that can easily enter the human respiratory system. According to data from Jakarta’s Environmental Agency, PM2.5 levels in Jakarta have exceeded safe limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO). These high PM2.5 levels can cause various health problems, particularly in children and the elderly. This has also become a trending topic in ISPU calculations (Air Pollution Standard Index), where in 2020, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry issued Ministerial Regulation Number 14 of 2020 concerning the Air Pollution Standard Index.
The ISPU scale is as follows:
According to statistics from DKI Jakarta Province in August 2023, there were 2 days with a very unhealthy category (ISPU 200-299) recorded in DKI. The concerning health impacts of air pollution are felt strongly in Jakarta’s residents’ health. Many residents report respiratory problems, allergies, and other respiratory diseases that continue to increase. Particularly noteworthy is the rise in cases of respiratory infection diseases. In fact, Jakarta’s Health Agency reported that in 2023 there were 638,219 cases caused by current poor air quality and transmission through water droplets from coughing, skin contact such as handshakes or saliva, and through contact with objects exposed to viruses. Hospitals in Jakarta have also noted an increase in respiratory disease cases requiring medical care.
Motor Vehicles and Industry as Main Contributors
The main causes of air pollution in Jakarta are the high number of motor vehicles and industrial activity. As Indonesia’s economic and business center, Jakarta experiences heavy traffic that generates exhaust emissions and harmful particles. Additionally, the growing industrial sector also contributes to air pollution.
The public and other stakeholders are expected to work together in efforts to reduce air pollution that harms health and the environment. Through collective action, it may be possible to address this air pollution problem and create a healthier and cleaner environment for all residents.
However, the public is often unaware and believes that indoor air and air inside public transportation is more “safe” than outdoor air; in reality, there are hidden risks here. Outdoor air exposed to pollutants can be visible and smell noticeable. However, indoors, we often cannot detect what it contains. According to research by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution and public transportation air pollution are actually two to five times greater compared to outdoor air, and can worsen 100 times more than outdoor air. Indoor and public transportation air contains all outdoor pollution, including everything brought into buildings, such as cooking smoke, cleaning products, building materials, and viruses carried by individuals.
“As one of the latest solutions, PT GDPS introduces Beyond Fresh, a GDPS innovation adopted from next-generation aircraft technology related to indoor aerodynamics science. A combination of advanced technological features eliminates 99.97% of bacteria in the air and minimizes the risk of virus transmission, including PM2.5 and allergens, thereby ensuring complete safety and comfort for your employees and increasing productivity. Features: Modified air flow, high-quality HEPA filters, and advanced UV-C technology,” explained Cornelis Radjawane, President Director of PT Garuda Daya Pratama Sejahtera.
Cornelis believes that implementing Beyond Fresh in large-capacity spaces means that Beyond Fresh usage is not only suitable for office spaces but also highly beneficial for public transportation. With this product, people can create healthier and more comfortable indoor environments, even when outdoor air pollution is very high. “Through this technology, the public is protected from the risk of inhaling pollutants unknowingly while carrying out activities. Beyond Fresh innovation ensures laminar air circulation, which has been proven to filter and kill bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, it is also capable of preventing the spread of contaminants over a sufficiently wide area. The ACH (Air Changes Per Hour) provided also complies with the standards of the Ministry of Health RI Regulation,” Cornelis added.
All of Indonesia and its citizens can move toward cleaner air and better health by adopting Beyond Fresh technology. Through collective action involving local government, businesses, and the community, we can hope to see significant improvements in air quality in this city. Beyond Fresh is a first step and positive solution toward that goal.
