Jakarta, INTI – Air quality in Indonesia is back in the spotlight. Air monitoring app Nafas Indonesia recently released its latest report on pollution levels in various cities in Indonesia. The results are quite surprising. Some big cities that have been known to be cool actually recorded high levels of pollution.
In a report released on Wednesday (June,4, 2025) through their official X account, Nafas Indonesia said that cities with high PM2.5 (fine air particles) scores indicate poor air quality. Conversely, low scores indicate cleaner and healthier air quality.
Tangsel and Bandung Top the List of Most Polluted Cities
South Tangerang became the city with the worst air quality in Indonesia during the April-May 2025 period. The city recorded PM2.5 particle levels of 43 μg/m³, outperforming other major cities on the highest pollution list.
Bandung took second place with 42 μg/m³, followed by Semarang (39 μg/m³), Surabaya (38 μg/m³), and Tangerang (37 μg/m³). Other cities on the top ten most polluted cities list include Malang, Depok, Jakarta, Solo, and Bekasi. The majority of the cities on this list are on Java Island.
Thousand Islands, Makassar, and Belitung: The Cleanest Air in the Country
On the other hand, Thousand Islands managed to take the position as the city with the best air quality. This region only recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 8 μg/m³, far below the threshold considered dangerous by WHO.
In addition to Kepulauan Seribu, several other cities that are considered to have clean air are Makassar (11 μg/m³), Belitung (12 μg/m³), and Manado and Balikpapan, which each recorded 15 μg/m³. Interestingly, the majority of cities with the best air quality are located outside Java, such as Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
Awareness and Action Needed
The release of this data emphasizes the importance of concrete steps to address air pollution, especially in big cities. Urbanization, congestion, and the growth of motor vehicles contribute greatly to the deterioration of air quality.
Joint efforts between the government, the private sector, and the community are needed to develop environmentally friendly transportation, increase green space, and improve monitoring and enforcement of emission regulations.
Full List: 10 Dirtiest and Cleanest Cities (April-May 2025)
Cities with Highest PM2.5 (Dirtiest Air):
- South Tangerang - 43
- Bandung - 42
- Semarang - 39
- Surabaya - 38
- Tangerang - 37
- Malang - 36
- Depok - 36
- Jakarta - 35
- Solo - 35
- Bekasi - 33
Cities with Lowest PM2.5 (Cleanest Air):
- Thousand Islands - 8
- Makassar - 11
- Belitung - 12
- Manado - 15
- Balikpapan - 15
- Pekanbaru - 23
- Samarinda - 24
- Bali - 25
- Medan - 25
- Palembang - 26
Conclusion
The Breath of Indonesia report provides a real picture of air conditions in different cities. Major cities on Java Island need to take immediate action to reduce pollution, while areas with good air quality should maintain and protect their environment. This information is expected to encourage public awareness to work together to keep the air clean for better health and the future.
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