TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ahead of the 2018 Asian Games, the director general of pollution and environmental damage at the Environment and Forestry Ministry, Karliansyah, said the ministry was currently striving to reduce particulate matter (PM) 2.5 of air quality in Jakarta and Palembang. He explained multiple measures had been underway.

“[Air quality] in Jakarta is influenced by infrastructure development. On average it is measured at 38 micrograms per meter,” said Karliansyah at the ministry building, Friday, July 13.

Meanwhile, Karliansyah added, Palembang had good air quality. Its PM 2.5 was measured at 8 micrograms per cubic.

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Karliansyah explained the air quality and pollutants would affect the athletes’ health during matches. Thus, the government strived to reduce PM 2.5 in Jakarta.

PM 2.5 in Jakarta was recorded at 40 micrograms per cubic meter on average, while based on WHO standards, the particulates limit should be less than 25 micrograms per cubic meter.

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The director of pollution and environmental damage at the Environment and Forestry Ministry, Dasrul Chaniago, explained particulates matter 2.5 were referred to as fine dust, which could enter the human respiratory system and might cause lung diseases as well as lung cancer.

CHITRA PARAMAESTI