Message for U.S. Citizens: Air Quality Index Data for Jakarta

Starting December 21, 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta will begin publishing Air Quality Index (AQI) data collected by air quality monitors that are installed at two locations in Jakarta.  The data will be published on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA)  AirNow international air quality website, http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.global_summary, and available to the public through the U.S. Embassy website, https://id.usembassy.gov.

These monitors will be tracking only PM 2.5 pollutants (particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter), which is widely considered to be the most deleterious to respiratory health. The index is calculated based on data over a 24-hour period.  The U.S. EPA has developed a formula to convert raw PM 2.5 readings into an air quality index (AQI) value that can help inform health-related decisions.  The AQI has six levels as described below.  Click here for more information on the U.S. EPA’s AQI.

Air Quality Index  (AQI)

PM2.5  

Health Effects Statement

PM 2.5

Cautionary Statement


Good
(0-50)
PM2.5 air pollution poses little or no risk. None

Moderate
(51-100)
Unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

(101-150)
Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy
(151-200)
Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in general population. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy
(201-300)
Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; significant increase in respiratory effects in general population. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous
(301-500)
Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; serious risk of respiratory effects in general population. Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors; people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low.

For further information about security in Indonesia:

  • See the State Department’s travel websitefor the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and IndonesiaCountry Specific Information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia, located at 5 Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta,at +62-21 3435-9055/9054, 07:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is+62-21 3435 9000, then press 0 for the operator. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy can also be reached by e-mail at jakartaacs@state.gov.
  • Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, located at Jl. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya, at +62 31-297-5300, 07:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +62 81-133-4183.  The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can also be reached by e-mail at SurabayaACS@state.gov.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).