BMKG Reveals Microplastics In Jakarta Rain Can Be Carried From Other Regions

Discussion at DKI Jakarta City Hall, Friday, October 24 (Diah Ayu/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) explained that microplastic findings in rainwater in Jakarta do not necessarily mean that the particles originate from the capital city. This phenomenon is referred to as a pollutant transport or displacement of pollutants carried by the wind from one region to another.

BMKG's functionality of Meteorology and Geophysics, Dwi Atmoko, said the wind direction played a major role in the movement of pollutants in the atmosphere. Currently, with the dry season conditions and the wind blowing from east to southeast, particles from the area in that direction can be carried to Jakarta.

"It should be understood that microplastics in an area do not always come from the area itself. This phenomenon is called the transportation of pollutants (pollutant transport) where the pollutant particles are carried away by the wind from one area to another," said Dwi in a discussion at DKI Jakarta City Hall, Friday, October 24.

According to him, Indonesia's geographical conditions on the equator line make exposure to solar radiation very high. Hot temperatures in the dry season often trigger the burning of open waste that produces fine particles in the air, including microplastics.

"From that process, smoke and microplastic particles resulting from the burning rose into the atmosphere, then carried by the wind to other areas," he said.

"This means that the microplastics found in Jakarta could come from other areas, or vice versa, particles from Jakarta are carried by the wind to other areas," continued Dwi.

Dwi added that the main source of pollutants in the Jabodetabek area is still dominated by the transportation sector. Then, the microplastic particle, according to him, does not stop in the air. Because Indonesia has a tropical climate with high cloud evaporation and formation rates, microplastics can return to the earth's surface through rain or dry deposition.

According to him, every fossil fuel burning produces aerosols or small particles in the atmosphere that affect air quality and has the potential to become a microplastic medium.

"In conclusion, microplastics can be considered part of an aerosol, a small particle in the atmosphere that continues to move, move, and eventually descends to earth through rain or dry deposition," explained Dwi.

Researcher from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Muhammad Reza Cordova, confirmed these findings. He said that since 2022, microplastics have been found in various ecosystems in Indonesia, from rivers, sediments, to the air around settlements.

"Since 2022, we have reported that microplastics have been found in various ecosystems ranging from rivers, sediments, to air around settlements," explained Reza.

BRIN's research was even expanded to 18 major and small cities, with the last sampling in June 'July 2025. Temporary results show that all air samples contain microplastics, both large and small.

"In Jakarta, the level of presence is still in the same range, which is between 3 to 40 particles per square meter per day," he said.

Reza assessed that this phenomenon is an important alarm for the community. Microplastics is now part of the air that is inhaled every day, sourced from human activities such as the use of plastic, motorized vehicles, to burning garbage.

"The air we breathe every day now contains not only dust or ordinary pollutants, but also microplastic particles sourced from human activity," he added.