The air pollution conditions that have plagued Jakarta during July and August have made headlines in the news and social media. Poor air quality is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Air pollution, which comes from various sources such as motor vehicle and industrial emissions, has significant negative impacts on human health and the environment. In order to improve air quality, the enforcement of emission tests is an important step taken by the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta.

In 2019, research conducted by Vital Strategies in collaboration with air quality experts from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) provided a clear picture of the sources of air pollution in Jakarta. The results showed that motor vehicle emissions are the main contributor to PM2.5, small particles that have serious health impacts. Samples were collected from three locations in Jakarta: Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), Kebon Jeruk (KJ) and Lubang Buaya (LB) during the rainy season (October 2018-March 2019) and dry season (July-September 2019). Each sample was analyzed for chemical composition to identify the main sources of air pollution for each season. From the filter samples that captured PM 2.5 in three locations, namely Kebon Jeruk, Lubang Buaya, and GBK, it was concluded that the main source of PM 2.5 is from motor vehicle emissions, namely 32-41% in the rainy season and 42-57% in the dry season, where other emissions come from open burning, secondary aerosols, coal burning, road dust, construction activities, and others. 

Referring to these findings, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the Environment Agency formulated the Air Pollution Control Strategy (SPPU). The SPPU is the main guide in reducing the burden of air pollution in Jakarta, and this effort has now been realized in the form of a gubernatorial regulation that was officially issued on August 29.

One of the important steps in the SPPU is the enforcement of emission tests to reduce pollutants generated from motor vehicle fumes. Therefore, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government formed the Joint Emission Test Unit. This unit consists of personnel from the Environmental Agency, Transportation Agency, and is assisted by personnel from the Traffic Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya and the Permanent Garrison Command I/Jakarta to ensure that emission tests are carried out correctly and measurably.

Since August 25, the Emission Test Task Force has been active in efforts to socialize the enforcement of the Emission Test at five points in Jakarta, namely Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan in East Jakarta, Jalan R. E. Martadinata in North Jakarta, Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta, Blok M Terminal in South Jakarta, and Jalan Asia Afrika in Central Jakarta. As of today, on September 1, 2023, Emission Test Enforcement is officially implemented, with fines for emission test violators in accordance with Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation, which is Rp 250,000 for two-wheeled vehicles and Rp 500,000 for four-wheeled vehicles. This effort is intended to encourage awareness about the importance of undergoing emission tests for better air quality.

In addition, Jakarta has 335 car workshops and 106 motorcycle workshops that are ready to carry out emission tests. Accessing information on workshop locations and booking emission tests is easier through the e-Uji Emisi application or JAKI application by typing the keyword "emission" in the search field. Alternatively, information can also be found through the website https://ujiemisi.jakarta.go.id. 

Public compliance in undergoing emission tests plays a major role in providing significant positive impacts, both for the environment and individual health. By implementing stricter emission test enforcement, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government hopes to reduce emissions from motor vehicles, which are a major contributor to air pollution. Through good cooperation between the government, related agencies, and the community, this joint effort will be able to realize better air quality and sustainable environmental health in Jakarta.