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Jakartans enjoy cleaner air during Idul Fitri holiday
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The Jakarta Environment Agency said the air pollutants, which are largely attributed to vehicle emissions, have been greatly reduced during the holidays. (JP/Rifky Dewandaru)
J
akartans can breathe cleaner air and enjoy a bluer sky, thanks to thousands of vehicles that left the capital during the Idul Fitri mudik (exodus) season.
The Jakarta Environment Agency said the air pollutants, which are largely attributed to vehicle emissions, have been greatly reduced during the holidays.
An air quality meter at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, Central Jakarta, showed on Wednesday that the level of sulfur dioxide (SO2) had decreased by 27.36 percent.
Other pollutants, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), have also decreased by 66.91 percent and 70.81 percent respectively.
However, the pollutant particle PM10 remained high and even increased by 9.34 percent due to the ongoing development of the MRT.
Meanwhile, an air quality meter in Lubang Buaya, East Jakarta, showed an improvement, but not as significant as in Central Jakarta. The meter showed Wednesday the level of SO2 had decreased by 2.18 percent while CO had decreased by 53.45 percent.
NO2 and PM10 concentrations have also reduced by 43.63 percent and 28.08 percent respectively.
“The air quality in the area is affected by the Cikampek–Jagorawi toll road, which is used by residents to reach their hometown. The road has been more congested than usual,” Jakarta Environment Agency head Isnawa Adji said in a statement on Thursday. (evi)
