Latest News: DKI DLH Urges People Not to Burn Trash, Reminds them of the Dangers of PM 2.5 Particles

The DKI Jakarta Environmental Service (DLH) warns of the dangers of exposure to PM2.5 fine particles on public health. These very small pollutant particles are said to be able to reduce life expectancy, especially if air quality worsens during the dry season.
Head of the Pollution and Environmental Damage Control Division of DLH DKI Jakarta, Erni Pelita Fitratunnisa, said PM2.5 is a toxic particle that can enter the lungs and trigger various health problems.
“PM2.5 is a very small particle, it contains a lot of toxic sub-particles. It enters the breath, reaches the lungs. The impact can cause ISPA, and even the risk of serious illness,” said Erni in a casual talk about air pollution in Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (4/3/2026).
Erni said a number of studies, including from academics at the UI Faculty of Public Health, showed that exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a decrease in life expectancy. Vulnerable groups such as toddlers and the elderly are the most affected.
“The trend is for ISPA to increase when air quality worsens. Vulnerable ages such as children and the elderly are most affected. That’s why in our air quality monitoring application there is always a warning if it has exceeded quality standards,” he said.

DLH DKI operates an Air Quality Monitoring Station (SPKU) whose data can be accessed by the public. If the PM2.5 concentration exceeds the threshold, the public is asked to limit outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups.
Erni also emphasized that the source of PM2.5 is not only from motorized vehicles and industry. Open burning activities such as burning rubbish and grilling satay also contribute to the spike in fine particles in the air.
“Trash is a source of pollution, especially if it is burned uncontrolled. The sanctions are regulated in Regional Regulation Number 4 of 2019, the fine is IDR 500 thousand,” he explained.
He gave an example, the spike in PM2.5 around SPKU is often triggered by burning activities in residential areas. In fact, satay grilling activities during motor vehicle free days (HBKB) in the HI Roundabout area have also been detected by monitoring equipment.

“Burning satay also contributes to the air. Especially if the intensity is high. It can be caught at our station,” he said.
According to Erni, action against waste burners still faces obstacles because it is difficult to identify the perpetrators in the field. DLH also considers regulatory aspects before implementing social sanctions such as making violators viral.

On the other hand, ahead of the dry season which is expected to start from May to August, DLH DKI is alert to the potential for decreasing air quality. Dry weather conditions and minimal rain are considered to worsen the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere.
“If the air quality trend worsens during the dry season, we can reactivate these rapid response measures,” he said.
DLH urges the public not to burn rubbish carelessly, regularly carry out vehicle emissions tests, and monitor daily air quality before doing outdoor activities.
“If only DKI moves, it’s tough. But at least in terms of behavior, we can start from ourselves. Don’t burn rubbish, reduce emissions. Because the impact is not just shortness of breath, but can affect life expectancy,” he added.

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