DKI is asking factories to add pollutant filtering equipment to prevent microplastics from entering the air

Jakarta – The DKI Jakarta Environmental Service has asked all factories in Jakarta to add polluting filters or scrubbers. It is hoped that this will prevent the spread of microplastics in the air, leading to rain containing microplastics. This was conveyed by the head of the DKI Jakarta LH service, Asep Kuswanto, when discussing BRIN’s findings regarding microplastics in rainwater in Jakarta. He said that his party has so far given sanctions to factories that violate the rules and cause pollution. “So we do carry out sanctions, yes. So for companies that actually cause polluting emissions, there are also sanctions in accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Environment,” Asep said during a media briefing at Jakarta City Hall, Friday (24/10/2025). SCROLL TO CONTINUE CONTENT Asep said the company should add scrubbers. He said the company should also add an automatic air quality monitoring system or Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS). “First we did what is called, asking the factories to use or add scrubbers. Then we also installed CEMS, a tool to measure pollution levels,” he said. Asep said that the DKI Provincial Government will not hesitate to impose sanctions on factories that are proven to exceed the emission limits. The sanctions that will be given can range from administrative sanctions to business closure. “So, if the existing quality standards are exceeded, we will definitely impose sanctions in the form of administrative sanctions, fines or even closure of the enterprise,” he said. Previously, BRIN revealed that rainwater in Jakarta contains dangerous microplastic particles originating from human activities in urban areas. This finding is a warning that plastic pollution can also pollute the atmosphere. BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova explained that research conducted since 2022 shows the presence of microplastics in every rainwater sample in Jakarta. He said the microscopic plastic particles are formed from the degradation of plastic waste floating in the air due to human activities. “These microplastics come from synthetic clothing fibers, vehicle and tire dust, remnants of burning plastic waste, as well as plastic degradation in open spaces,” says Reza, quoted on the official BRIN website, Saturday (18/10). (clock/half)