Pangkalpinang City's Air Quality Remains Good, Residents Urged Not to Burn Waste

BANGKA, KOMPAS.com - Air quality in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Belitung Islands, remains good with the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) registering at 39 on Friday (18/9/2026).

Head of Pangkalpinang’s Environmental Agency, Fahrizal, stated that monitoring results up to 4:00 p.m. WIB indicate the air quality is still safe for outdoor activities.

"Our air quality is still good, safe for public activities even without masks. However, it’s still better to wear a mask when outdoors," Fahrizal said in Pangkalpinang on Friday afternoon.

Fahrizal explained that the public can monitor air quality in real time by downloading the air pollution index application.

An index value of 39 indicates good air quality. Moderate air quality ranges from 51 to 100. Unhealthy levels are 101 to 200, very unhealthy from 201 to 300, and hazardous at values above 300.

"Generally, we have been affected by the dry season and forest and land fires, but the impact is not significant, so our air quality remains good," Fahrizal clarified.

According to Fahrizal, forest and land fires in Bangka Belitung can be controlled quickly due to the area not being dominated by peatland.

"It's different from other regions with peat soil. Once peat ignites, the fire and smoke remain for a long time," Fahrizal explained.

To maintain good air quality, Fahrizal urged residents not to burn land or household waste.

Additionally, the community is encouraged to plant trees in their yards to create clean air daily.

"Our land clearing is still under control, and we have many trees. Each household has at least one tree, which contributes to preserving good air quality. Let’s start planting trees from our own home yards," Fahrizal said.