This year’s Clean Air for Blue Skies Day, which falls on Tuesday, underscores the importance of healthy air for a healthy planet. Jakarta is no exception: it is time to work together – strategically, intentionally and quickly – to secure bluer skies for our city and surroundings. 

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jakarta residents witnessed clearer skies and a more visible horizon due to the large-scale social restrictions that were put into place to reduce the virus transmission. The air quality index (AQI) gradually improved, as documented in the five locations measured daily by the Jakarta administration.

Another study conducted by the National Nuclear Energy Agency also showed that the level of PM2.5—fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less and easily inhalable—decreased by 40 percent. This could have long-term health impacts. By reducing PM2.5 levels to meet World Health Organization guidelines, the AQ Life Index predicts that Jakarta residents could gain 5.5 years of life expectancy. Reducing PM2.5 and other air pollutants that cause global warming could also help address climate change.