Brian Barton
Indonesia has one of the highest levels of air pollution in Southeast Asia, and its capital city, Jakarta, is no exception. While this response focuses on the main sources of soil pollution in Jakarta, it is worth noting that the city faces significant air and water pollution issues as well. The transport sector, including vehicle exhaust, contributes between 30 and 40% of total particulate matter (PM) emissions in Jakarta. Other sources of air pollution include construction, road dust, coal-fired power plants, peatland fires, biomass burning for cooking and heating, and open burning of waste. Water pollution in Indonesia is mainly caused by untreated municipal wastewater, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and mismanaged solid waste. These various forms of pollution have severe consequences for public health and the environment, with Jakarta's residents expected to lose an average of 2.4 years from their life expectancy due to poor air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Sources of Soil Pollution | Vehicular emission, open burning, construction, soil and <co: 0,1,2,6>road dust, coal combustion, and water pollution |
| Number of Motorized Vehicles | 20 million in 2018, including 13 million motorcycles |
| Number of Motorized Vehicles (Recent) | 25 million |
| Annual Air Pollution Spike Months | June, July, and August |
| Air Pollution Crisis Action Plans | More than 70 action plans introduced by Jakarta Environmental Agency in September 2022 |
| Air Pollution Health Impact | Over 10,000 deaths, 5,000 hospitalizations for cardio-respiratory diseases, and 7,000 adverse health outcomes in children annually |
| Economic Burden of Air Pollution | US$ 2.9 billion (2.2% of DKI Jakarta's GRDP) |
| Water Pollution Extent | 85% of the population exposed to fecal coliform pollution in water sources |
| Solid Waste Management | Only 39% of urban solid waste is collected in Indonesia |
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Vehicular emissions
The transport sector in Jakarta contributes substantially to the city's air pollution, with estimates ranging from 30-40% to 67% of total particulate matter (PM) emissions. During the dry season between May and September, residents are exposed to dangerously high levels of pollution, with daily concentrations of PM2.5 pollutants as high as 80 μg/m3. In 2019, a study confirmed that up to 57% of PM2.5 emissions during the dry season came from vehicles, further emphasising the impact of vehicular emissions on the city's air quality.
The impact of vehicular emissions on soil pollution is also significant. As pollutants from vehicles settle onto the ground, they contribute to the contamination of soil in Jakarta. This is particularly true for heavy-duty vehicles, which have been identified as a primary source of particulate matter emissions. The deposition of vehicular emissions onto soil can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances, including heavy metals and hydrocarbons, which can have detrimental effects on soil quality and ecosystem health.
To address the issue of vehicular emissions and soil pollution, Jakarta has implemented various measures. The Jakarta Environmental Agency introduced the Strategy for Air Pollution Control (SPPU), which includes plans to reduce emissions from mobile sources, such as vehicles. Additionally, the city has considered policies such as a differentiated sulphur excise duty, congestion charging, and increased fuel prices to discourage the use of harmful fuels and reduce vehicle emissions.
However, the challenge of managing vehicular emissions extends beyond local efforts. As recognised by authorities, air pollution is a transboundary issue, and regional cooperation is necessary for effective solutions. This involves collaboration between central and local governments, the private sector, and the public to implement and enforce policies that target emission reductions from vehicles, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mitigating their impact on soil and air quality in Jakarta.
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Open burning
The burning of waste releases toxic chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere, which then settle on the soil and contaminate it. These pollutants can include heavy metals, dioxins, and other harmful substances that can persist in the environment for extended periods. Open burning also contributes to the degradation of soil quality by reducing the organic matter content and disrupting the natural balance of nutrients in the soil.
In addition to waste burning, open burning in Jakarta also includes the burning of vegetation and biomass for cooking and heating purposes. This practice releases additional pollutants into the air, such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, which can settle on the soil and contribute to its degradation. The particulate matter emitted from open burning can also have a significant impact on air quality, posing risks to human health and the environment.
To address the issue of open burning and its impact on soil pollution in Jakarta, it is essential to improve waste management practices and promote alternative methods of disposal and treatment. This may include the development of proper waste collection systems, recycling programs, and the implementation of regulations and policies that discourage open burning and encourage the use of cleaner and more sustainable practices. Educating the public about the negative consequences of open burning on soil health and encouraging the adoption of composting and other waste reduction techniques can also help mitigate the problem.
Overall, open burning is a significant contributor to soil pollution in Jakarta, and addressing this issue requires a combination of improved waste management infrastructure, policy interventions, and public awareness and engagement. By tackling this problem, Jakarta can reduce the negative impacts of open burning on soil quality and the environment, ultimately improving the health and well-being of its residents.
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Construction
The Indonesian capital has one of the highest levels of air pollution in Southeast Asia, and construction is one of the main sources of this pollution, along with vehicular emissions, open burning, soil and road dust, and coal combustion. The city's air quality is particularly bad during the dry season, between May and September, when residents are exposed to dangerously high levels of pollution.
The open dumping and burning of waste are common practices in Indonesia due to the lack of sufficient waste management infrastructure and services. This further exacerbates soil pollution in and around Jakarta. It is important to note that the impact of construction on soil pollution is not limited to the immediate construction site but can also affect surrounding areas through the spread of pollutants.
To address soil pollution from construction, it is crucial to implement proper waste management practices and regulations. This includes ensuring that construction sites have access to waste collection services and that waste is disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Additionally, cross-sector collaboration and coordination are essential in developing and enforcing effective policies to control soil pollution. This involves the participation of central and local governments, the private sector, and the public to successfully implement pollution control measures.
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Coal combustion
The burning of coal releases a range of pollutants into the atmosphere, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), black carbon, and ground-level ozone. These pollutants have serious health impacts on residents, with exposure causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues. In 2019, a study found that air pollution in Jakarta led to over 5,000 hospitalizations for cardio-respiratory diseases and more than 7,000 adverse health outcomes in children annually. The economic cost of air pollution is also significant, with an estimated burden of US$2.9 billion, or 2.2% of the region's GRDP.
Coal-fired power plants are a major source of particulate pollution in Jakarta. The city's high population and large number of vehicles also contribute to the problem, with the transport sector accounting for between 30% and 40% of total particulate matter emissions. During the dry season, from May to September, residents are exposed to even higher pollution levels due to the combination of meteorological conditions and increased emissions. The lack of rainfall, increased sunshine, and low wind speeds all contribute to the buildup of pollutants in the atmosphere.
To address the issue of coal combustion and its impact on soil pollution in Jakarta, the local government has implemented various measures. The Jakarta Environmental Agency introduced the Strategy for Air Pollution Control (SPPU), which includes over 70 action plans focused on governing air pollution controls and reducing emissions from mobile and stationary sources. There has also been an emphasis on cross-sector collaboration, with the involvement of central and local governments, the private sector, and the public.
However, the challenge of reducing coal combustion and its impact on soil pollution in Jakarta is complex. The city's air pollution is influenced by sources both within and beyond its boundaries, including industrial emissions and forest and peatland fires. Additionally, there are social and economic factors to consider, such as the lack of waste management infrastructure, which leads to open dumping and burning practices that further contribute to soil pollution. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account multiple sectors and stakeholders.
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Water pollution
The main sources of water pollution in Indonesia include untreated municipal wastewater, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and mismanaged solid waste. Open dumping and burning of waste are common practices across the country due to the lack of sufficient waste management infrastructure and services. These practices contribute to water pollution and pose risks to public health and hygiene.
Untreated municipal wastewater refers to sewage water that has not been properly treated before being released back into the environment. This can include human waste, household chemicals, and other contaminants that can pollute water sources and harm aquatic ecosystems. Industrial discharges refer to the release of pollutants from industrial activities, such as manufacturing, mining, and chemical processing. These discharges can include toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances that can contaminate water bodies and pose risks to both environmental and human health.
Agricultural runoff is another significant source of water pollution in Indonesia. This occurs when excess fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals are washed off fields and into nearby waterways. This can lead to the contamination of water sources and the destruction of aquatic habitats, as well as contributing to the growth of harmful algae and the creation of dead zones where oxygen levels are too low to support life.
Mismanaged solid waste, including plastic waste, can also find its way into water bodies, contributing to water pollution. This can come in the form of littering, illegal dumping, or inadequate waste disposal practices. Plastic pollution, in particular, has become a global concern due to its persistence in the environment and its ability to break down into microplastics, which can be ingested by aquatic organisms and accumulate up the food chain, potentially impacting the health of both wildlife and humans.
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Frequently asked questions
The main sources of soil pollution in Jakarta are vehicular emissions, open burning, construction, road dust, and coal combustion.
Transportation is the leading source of emissions in Jakarta, with the city estimated to have 25 million motorized vehicles.
Air pollution spikes during the dry season from June to August, due to a combination of meteorological conditions and high emissions.
Air pollution in Jakarta has been linked to over 10,000 deaths, 5,000 hospitalizations for cardio-respiratory diseases, and more than 7,000 adverse health outcomes in children annually.
In September 2022, the Jakarta Environmental Agency introduced the Strategy for Air Pollution Control (SPPU), which includes over 70 action plans. Emergency measures have also been implemented, such as spraying water from tall buildings to reduce pollution.
