Air Quality in Padang Worsens; Govt Urges Residents to Wear Masks

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Padang Regional Secretary Andre Algamar stated in a written statement today, September 14, 2023, that the air quality in Padang worsens every day. 

According to the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS), the pollutant standardization index is at level 80, despite the observation recording the pollutant level at 60 on Wednesday. "It could reach 100 tomorrow or the day after if it rains," he said.

Responding to the situation, the Padang government encouraged the residents to wear masks when doing outdoor activities. In addition, the government also issued a circular letter to prohibit residents from conducting outdoor burning. "We have spoken to subdistrict heads to urge the residents to refrain from conducting outdoor burning," Andre said.

Tempo's observation on IQAir, the air quality index in Padang reached 102 today, while the PM2.5 concentrate is at 36 and PM10 is at 39.2. Thus, the air quality in Padang is categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Global Atmosphere Watch Station in Bukit Kototabang Sugeng Nugroho explained that the air quality in West Sumatra this Thursday was slightly worse than the day before. However, Sugeng couldn't confirm if it correlates with the smog in Padang. 

"We still have to confirm this, but unfortunately, we do not have the tool in Padang. The thickness [of smog] also needs to be differentiated from a mixture of cloud and smoke or pure smoke," Sugeng said.

FACHRI HAMZAH

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