There are many press articles about the Air Pollution problems, especially in Jakarta, like for instance the Jakarta Globe article about "Jakarta’s Air Quality Takes a Toxic Turn for The Worse" and the Jakarta Post article about "Air pollution in city reaches alarming level" as well as this open from the JP reader forum). Some more clues can be found from this very interesting publication from Mosaic about "Where there’s smoke".
So, like most of the countries in Asia, there is no reason why there should not be real-time Air Quality monitoring in Indonesia, at least for the capital Jakarta.
But, unfortunately, there is not much information about real-time Air Quality data from the Ministry of Environment. Their website, menlh.go.id, is even displaying an "Error establishing a database connection" today. The Jakarta Environmental Board (Badan Pengelola Lingkungan Hidup Daerah Propinsi DKI Jakarta) is not providing much more information either. The Jakarta Smartcity is probably the place where one would expect the find the information, but that's not the case either. And last, there does not seems to be much activity from NGOs or Health funds about it (cf CAI Indonesia)
The best solution for providing real-time Air Quality information in Indonesia, and Jarkarta, would be that the Ministry of Environment to start providing the official readings. But since this can take sometimes, the aqicn.org team is now starting the "Indonesian Air Quality monitoring project".
Visible Air Pollution on Jakarta Skyline (attribution). (Check this article for an explanation about visual air quality)
The aqicn.org R&D team is now developing a new affordable Particle Matter (PM2.5) outdoor Air Quality monitoring station, and we want to install a few of them in Phnom Penh (to start with). The station is simple to use, and requires almost no maintenance. It only requires a WIFI connection to operate (the power supply is provided by battery and solar panel).
So if you are living Jakarta, and you would like to help us, we are looking for people who can help us to host the stations. If this is you, the please fill in the form below with your contact information. Alternatively, if you are only interested in getting the real-time data, or you would like to get more information about the project, you can also subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates about the project, using the same form below.
Air Quality Forecast
Air quality historical data
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If you want to stay informed about the Air Quality monitoring project, please register with the form below:
Do you know of any Air Quality stations in your area?
why not participate to the map with your own air quality station?
Our GAIA air quality monitors are very easy to set up: You only need a WIFI access point and a USB compatible power supply.
Once connected, your real time air pollution levels are instantaneously available on the maps and through the API.
The station comes with a 10-meter water-proof power cable, a USB power supply,mounting equipment and an optional solar panel.
Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk
None
51 -100
Moderate
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
101-150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
151-200
Unhealthy
Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion
201-300
Very Unhealthy
Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.
300+
Hazardous
Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects
For very useful health advices of Beijing Doctor Richard Saint Cyr MD, check www.myhealthbeijing.com blog.
Usage Notice: All the Air Quality data are unvalidated at the time of publication, and due to quality assurance these data may be amended, without notice, at any time. The World Air Quality Index project has exercised all reasonable skill and care in compiling the contents of this information and under no circumstances will the World Air Quality Index project team or its agents be liable in contract, tort or otherwise for any loss, injury or damage arising directly or indirectly from the supply of this data.