Govt to Define Standard for Air Quality Meters

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) will soon establish a standard for air quality measuring devices. This is to ensure that the public receives accurate air quality information.

“The KLHK will provide standardization immediately. So there is an SNI (Indonesian National Standard) for this device,” Jakarta Environment Agency head Asep Kuswanto said at City Hall, Central Jakarta, Monday, September 25, 2023.

Asep hoped that the ministry would immediately release the standardization of air quality meters. In order to maintain the accuracy of air quality monitoring devices, building owners must regularly maintain the equipment. The placement of the tools also affects the level of accuracy.

“If the vendor does not properly place and maintain the tools, it is feared that the results of the equipment will be distorted,” Asep explained.

Previously, the Jakarta Environment Agency discovered that many of the air quality meters installed across the capital city were unlicensed. The agency then coordinated with the police to shut them down, worrying that they would release hoax data.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace Indonesia’s climate and energy campaigner, Bondan Andriyanu,  said on Thursday, September 21, that the Jakarta Environment Agency's plan to regulate privately owned air quality index measuring devices was an attempt to deflect the issue of deteriorating air pollution in the city.

Greenpeace Indonesia argued that the presence of the private sector with its own air quality meters actually helps the government. Instead of criticizing the private sector, the Jakarta Environment Agency should first provide complete data on Jakarta’s air pollution.

ANTARA

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