TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Blok M area has been recommended as the first pilot area for the Low Emission Zone in Jakarta. The region located in South Jakarta is considered to have characteristics that support the gradual implementation of policies, including strong public transportation connectivity, dynamic economic activities, and diverse mixed-use functions.
Due to these characteristics, Blok M is considered an ideal location for testing various integrated interventions for implementing low-emission areas. The implementation is planned to take place gradually from 2026 to 2029. It will be based on data and consider community readiness and supporting ecosystems in each area.
The selection of the Blok M area was revealed in the launch of the report, “Integrated Low Emission Zone in Jakarta: From Ambition to Action.” The report was officially submitted by Breathe Cities to the Jakarta Provincial Government in the Plenary Session of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Working Group on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
On that occasion, the Head of the Jakarta Environmental Agency, Dudi Gardesi, emphasized that clean air is a fundamental right of every citizen. “The Jakarta Provincial Government is committed to turning ambition into real action through stronger governance, clear regulations, and cross-sector collaboration so that all citizens can enjoy better air quality,” said Dudi in a written statement.
Dudi explained that Jakarta still faces a relatively high air pollution challenge, especially from motor vehicle emissions. Therefore, the Jakarta Provincial Government’s development of Low Emission Zones is a strategic step to accelerate low-carbon development and strengthen public health protection.
Additionally, Dudi stated that the Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing a Governor Regulation on Low Emission Zones to provide a policy basis for ensuring the program’s implementation is more focused, transparent, and accountable. Dudi emphasized that Low Emission Zones are a cross-sector issue that requires strong collaboration among regional agencies and support from various stakeholders, including communities, academics, businesses, and the media.
“With this collaboration, we can accelerate efforts to realize cleaner and healthier air for all Jakarta residents,” said Dudi.
Vivian Pun, the Regional Technical Head of Breathe Cities Southeast Asia, expressed appreciation for Jakarta’s commitment to developing Low Emission Zones. She says that clean air policies must be designed ambitiously and equitably so that all residents, especially those most affected by poor air quality, can reap the benefits.
“This report shows that clean air policies can be ambitious and equitable, reducing pollution while ensuring all residents, especially those most affected by poor air quality, can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and more accessible urban environment,” said Vivian.
The report’s analysis shows that the transportation sector is one of Jakarta’s main sources of air pollution. The Low Emission Zone framework has the potential to reduce PM2.5 concentrations by more than 14.3 percent across priority areas in the most ambitious implementation scenario. In the GBK-Senayan area alone, the reduction reaches 20.7 percent.
Overall, the expected improvement in air quality is estimated to generate health and well-being benefits of around Rp1.9 trillion per year. These benefits stem from reduced health care costs, decreased exposure to harmful air pollution, and a lower risk of premature death from air pollution.
However, in the same written statement, the Jakarta Provincial Government affirmed that the Low Emission Zone is not solely a vehicle restriction policy. The success of this program depends heavily on the availability of reliable, comfortable, affordable, and easily accessible mobility alternatives for the public.
Therefore, strengthening public transportation, intermodal integration, improving pedestrian facilities, and open public communication are recognized as important elements in the implementation process. The Jakarta Government also places community involvement as the main element so that policies can be understood, accepted, and implemented together.
“This approach reflects the commitment of the Jakarta Provincial Government to present balanced solutions: reducing pollution, protecting public health, and ensuring the public has better mobility options.”
Read: Wear a Mask, Jakarta Ranks Third for Worst Air Quality Worldwide
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News