Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta provincial government stated that it will increase the number of air quality monitoring stations (SPKU) to deal with air pollution that has been a serious problem in the city.

"We bought four SPKU in 2011. In 2023, we have nine more SPKU units. In 2024, we will add five SPKU. We want to seriously deal with air pollution in Jakarta," Acting Governor of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono stated after reviewing SPKU at the Ciracas Sports Complex (GOR) in East Jakarta on Friday.

However, the current number of SPKU available is still not ideal for the Jakarta area.

Hartono said, the air quality in Jakarta was quite good by showing data on the Jakarta Environmental Office website.

"The air condition in Jakarta now shows PM10 at 41, (below) the maximum threshold of 55," he remarked.

Regarding the city's air quality, the Jakarta provincial government urged all parties to not become complacent, as air pollution, if not handled properly, will worsen during the dry season.

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In addition, Hartono encouraged all building managers in Jakarta to install water mist generators atop buildings, as he believes they are quite effective in reducing air pollution.

"The dry season will always occur every year. We will always anticipate it, so that the handling of air pollution is more optimal," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Head of the Jakarta Environmental Office Asep Kuswanto stated that the ideal number of SPKU in the capital city is 25 units.

Hence, Kuswanto said his side will gradually add SPKU in Jakarta.

"Ideally, there needs to be 25 units. In 2011, there were only four, and with the nine additions in 2023, there are 13. We will add five more in 2024, and the total will be 18," he remarked.

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Translator: Syaiful H, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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