Use Masks Outside The Home To Face Jakarta's Worst Air Quality

Uncontrollable the growth rate of motorized vehicles could be one of the difficult factors for creating clean air (Illustration by Indira Tjokorda on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The government is encouraged to intensify education related to respiratory problems such as ARI and Bronkopneumonia in children. This is because the air quality is getting worse, especially in DKI Jakarta.

"The government needs to immediately provide education and socialization so that there is no missleading that builds wrong perceptions among the public regarding ISPA, Bronkopneumonia and various other types of respiratory problems," said Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives Rahmad Handoyo, Tuesday, June 20.

As the most populous province in the country, the air quality in Jakarta as of this morning is still in the unhealthy category, especially for sensitive groups such as children. Based on the IQAirc report as of 09.00 WIB today, Jakarta's air quality is at 104 with PM2.5 main pollutants and 36.9 level.9 mag/m3 (micrometer per cubic meter).

Meanwhile, on Monday (19/6) yesterday as of 14.00 WIB, DKI Jakarta was in the city's first position with the worst air quality. Then, the PM2.5 DKI Jakarta concentration level at that time was at the level of 57.6 Peg/m3.

Rahmad assessed that currently there is unrest in the community about the dangers of air pollution. He encouraged the Government to prepare a short-term solution.

"For example, it recommends the use of masks when outdoors, especially in children, especially when they are near sources of pollution such as on roads. This is to overcome the risk of the impact of bad air conditions and pollution," said Rahmad.

"Now many mothers complain that children often cough and runny nose, or children who have long recovered from the flu. Not to mention the reports that many children have ARI. The use of masks can help reduce children with diseases," added the legislator from the Central Java V electoral district.

Face masks are objects that must be used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the pandemic has subsided now, Rahmad believes that people should continue to wear face masks, especially for those living in Jakarta and its surroundings.

"This needs to be done to protect the respiratory tract from Jakarta's air pollution, which has recently increased again, especially for children," said Rahmad.

"In addition, I also encourage the Government to increase the number of emission test posts for vehicles. Because one of the causes of pollution comes from vehicle smoke," he continued.

Rahmad also regretted that the electric vehicle incentive program initiated by the government could not be absorbed by the public. According to him, the Government should focus more on short-term programs in suppressing air pollution.

"The use of electric vehicles is a long-term solution, do not expect it to have a significant impact on the current air quality. Expand preventive measures that can be directly felt by the community," said Rahmad.

On the other hand, this member of the Health Commission appealed to the public to reduce activities outside the home so that they are not easily attacked by respiratory problems. If forced to travel, people are reminded to always wear masks.

"The government has indeed removed the use of masks while in public places and public transportation related to the Covid-19 pandemic," said Rahmad.

"But we know, the use of masks can be a way to minimize the spread of the virus, including reducing the impact of air pollution which can cause respiratory problems," he continued.

Rahmad also encouraged the public to routinely check at the nearest health facility, especially if it was indicated that they had respiratory problems.

"Especially for sensitive groups such as children, parents must be sensitive if children begin to show the characteristics of being exposed to a virus that causes respiratory problems. They must immediately be checked at the hospital so that it is not sustainable," concluded Rahmad.