Data compiled by Greenpeace Indonesia from ambient air sensors at the United States embassy buildings in Central and South Jakarta show that the capital did not have a single day of “good” air quality from the beginning of the PSBB to June 4, when it began gradually easing restrictions.

“Good” air quality occurs when the air quality at a given location does not exceed the World Health Organization standard of 25 micrograms per cubic meter [μg/m3] for particulate matter 2.5, measured on a six-grade air quality scale.

Not a single day of healthy air was logged in the period between March 14 and April 9. Air quality was rated “moderate” for 19 days in Central Jakarta and five days in South Jakarta; “unhealthy for sensitive groups” for eight days in Central Jakarta and 17 days in South Jakarta; and “unhealthy” for five days in South Jakarta.

The period between April 10 and June 4 was also without healthy days. Central Jakarta reported moderate air quality for a total of 30 days and “unhealthy for sensitive groups” for 26 days. The South Jakarta sensor recorded three moderate days, 37 days that were unhealthy for sensitive groups and 14 days of unhealthy air quality.

After June 4, Jakarta rejoined the ranks of the world’s most polluted cities, according to the World Air Quality Project’s Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI collects data from national meteorology departments, including Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

From June 5 to 16, Central Jakarta’s air quality was “unhealthy for sensitive groups” for 10 days and “unhealthy” for two days, while South Jakarta logged four and eight days in each category, respectively.

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