Air pollution in Jakarta has once again made headlines. As of June 2025, air quality in Greater Jakarta—including Bekasi, Depok, and Tangerang—has significantly worsened, raising concerns among residents, health professionals, and urban planners.
According to The Jakarta Post (2025), the government has yet to introduce substantial measures to reduce emissions from factories and vehicles—two of the main contributors to the capital’s ongoing pollution problem.
“The capital city and its surrounding areas are experiencing another wave of unhealthy air, with minimal new policies implemented to curb pollution,”
— The Jakarta Post, 2025
Why the Air Quality Matters More Than Ever
In recent years, Jakarta has repeatedly ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. This has triggered public outcry, increased use of air purifiers at home, and greater interest in cleaner, more livable suburban alternatives.
As of June 2025:
- PM2.5 levels regularly exceed WHO guidelines
- Visibility has declined, particularly in the mornings
- Respiratory illnesses are on the rise, especially among children and the elderly
Despite lawsuits filed by citizen coalitions urging stricter regulation, government action has so far been limited to short-term alerts and monitoring, with no clear long-term pollution control roadmap.
What Expats and Long-Term Residents Should Know
Living in Jakarta offers countless opportunities—but air quality is increasingly becoming a factor in housing decisions. For expats relocating to the city or choosing between central and suburban areas, here’s what you need to consider:
1. Choose Homes with Air Filtration and Ventilation
Many premium apartments and housing clusters now include built-in air purifiers, sealed windows, and green outdoor buffers. If you’re relocating with children or elderly family members, this is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
2. Understand Daily AQI Readings
Make it a habit to check real-time air quality indexes (AQI) through apps like IQAir, BMKG, or AirVisual before planning outdoor activities. International schools and workplaces in Jakarta have begun implementing “haze protocols” on days when AQI levels are above 150.
3. Look to Less Congested Neighborhoods
Areas with lower vehicle density, greener open spaces, and better airflow—such as South Jakarta’s Cipete and Pondok Indah or satellite areas like BSD City and Sentul—are gaining attention for offering cleaner air and quieter environments.
Is the Government Doing Enough?
While city officials continue to cite efforts to encourage public transportation, improve vehicle emissions standards, and reforest urban areas, real progress has been slow. According to The Jakarta Post (2025), no new binding policy or emission-reduction mandate has been issued since the 2021 lawsuit ruling that urged accountability from government bodies.
“Despite a Supreme Court decision ordering tighter environmental control, implementation remains weak and fragmented,”
— The Jakarta Post, 2025
In the meantime, private citizens, schools, and businesses are taking matters into their own hands, investing in indoor air quality solutions and even organizing community green initiatives.
What This Means for Property Investors and Home Buyers
Whether you’re moving to Jakarta as a professional, diplomat, or investor, environmental quality is fast becoming a key factor in real estate value and desirability. Demand is rising for:
- Green-certified buildings
- Low-density housing clusters
- Properties near parks, schools with good air protocols, and well-ventilated design
Home is more than just a location—it’s where you breathe, rest, and recharge. Choosing a property with air quality in mind is an investment in long-term wellbeing.
Looking for a home in Jakarta with better air quality and green living in mind?
At Noble Properties Asia, we help expats and families find homes that align with both lifestyle and health needs. From leafy neighborhoods to air-quality-optimized interiors, we know what matters most when it comes to living well in Jakarta.
Explore smart and healthy housing options at noblepropertiesasia.com
Source:
The Jakarta Post. (2025, June 8). Air quality worsens in Greater Jakarta as govt yet to curb pollution. Retrieved from https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/06/08/air-quality-worsens-in-greater-jakarta-as-govt-yet-to-curb-pollution.html
