Odd-Even Policy Expansion Considered Effective to Improve Air Quality in Jakarta

Jakarta Environment Dept. Head, Isnawa Adji stated, expansion on odd-even policy which is applied ahead of Asian Games is considered effective in improving air quality in Jakarta.

" CO gas concentration decreased by 1.7 percent and NO gas concentration decreased by 14.7 percent"

"Based on our monitoring in Jakarta Environment Dept.'s Air Quality Monitoring Station (SPKU), currently it shows CO gas concentration decreased by 1.7 percent and NO gas concentration decreased by 14.7 percent," he informed, Wednesday, (7/11).

Moreover, total hydrocarbons (THC) concentration is also decreased by 1.37 percent due to odd-even policy expansion. THC is a pollutant comes from motor vehicles which directly and indirectly affects the air quality in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, from Kelapa Gading DKI 2 Station is monitored CO concentration decreased by 1.15%, NO concentration decreased by 7.03%, and NO2 decreased by 2.01%. While in Lubang Buaya DKI 4 Station, CO concentration decreased by 1.12% and NO decreased by 7.46%.

"Generally, all parameters of Jakarta air quality are still below the quality standard. But at least pollutant that comes from motor vehicles is decreasing during this odd-even policy implementation," he explained.

He added, PM-10 air quality parameter in Jakarta is still a bit high. PM-10 is air or dust particle smaller than 10 microns. It is still a bit high because MRT, LRT, and sidewalk arrangement in Sudirman-Thamrin is still on progress. During Asian Games, those projects will be completed or stopped temporarily thus his side ensures it will not causing a problem.

"Importantly, residents can participate to succeed Asian Games by using public transportation thus it will reduce congestion and air becomes cleaner," he mentioned.