Indonesia: Jakarta air pollution blamed for respiratory problems

Summary

Jakarta faces severe air pollution, with a thick haze causing health issues for residents. The city consistently ranks as one of the most polluted, with recent weeks showing particularly poor air quality. Activists are urging the government to act, as health centers report a 20% increase in respiratory infections. President Joko Widodo has called for immediate measures, including weather modification for rain. Despite a 2021 court ruling against the government for failing to provide clean air, little progress has been made, leaving Jakarta's 30 million residents at risk.

Takeaways

• 🌁 The sky above Jakarta has turned a bleak dusty gray due to a thick haze.
• 😷 Residents are experiencing difficulty breathing and eye irritation from the smog.
• 🏙️ Jakarta is consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world.
• 🌐 Recent weeks have seen particularly poor air quality with unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter.
• 👥 Many students are coughing during prayers, indicating the widespread impact of the pollution.
• 📢 Activists have held demonstrations urging the government to take action against air pollution.
• 🌿 Environmental groups claim years of inaction by Indonesian authorities are endangering the lives of millions.
• 🚑 Health centers in south Jakarta report over a 20% increase in patients with acute respiratory infections.
• 🩺 Pulmonologists are treating more people who are struggling to breathe, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
• 🌧️ President Joko Widodo has called for immediate short-term interventions, such as weather modification to improve air quality.
• 📉 Despite a 2021 court ruling that the government failed to uphold citizens' rights to clean air, there has been little progress.

Q & A

What is the current state of the sky above Jakarta?

The sky above Jakarta has turned a bleak, dusty gray due to a thick haze that blankets the city.

How are the residents of Jakarta affected by the smog?

Residents are experiencing difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and are choking in the smog, with some needing to use eye drops when they get home.

What is Jakarta's ranking in terms of air pollution?

Jakarta consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world, often recording unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter.

What actions have been taken by the public to address the air pollution?

Activists held a demonstration urging the government to take action, highlighting the recurring problem of air pollution in Jakarta.

How does air pollution impact the health of Jakarta's residents?

Health centers in South Jakarta have reported a more than 20% increase in patients with acute respiratory infections, and pulmonologists are treating more people who are struggling to breathe.

What are the potential long-term health risks associated with the air pollution in Jakarta?

Air pollution can cause an increasing risk of heart attack and stroke due to the presence of particulate matter in the bloodstream.

What measures has President Joko Widodo suggested to improve air quality?

President Joko Widodo has called for short-term interventions such as weather modification to induce rain and the implementation of hybrid working arrangements.

What technological solutions are being used to monitor air quality in Jakarta?

A startup has installed a network of air quality monitors around the city and shares live information on its app.

What legal actions have been taken regarding the government's handling of air pollution?

In 2021, a Jakarta Court ruled that the government had failed to uphold citizens' rights to clean air, but there has been little progress since then.

What is the current status of the lawsuit filed against the government for failing to address air pollution?

Attempts by the president and others to appeal the decision are still underway, with no significant action taken to limit air pollution.

How do activists view the living conditions in Jakarta due to air pollution?

Activists say that living in Jakarta is becoming increasingly hazardous due to the lack of real action to limit air pollution.