Jokowi Weighs Pollution Tax as Jakarta Suffers Worst Air Quality

Vehicles sit in traffic during rush hour in Jakarta.

Photographer: Muhammad Fadli/Bloomberg
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Indonesia is considering measures to improve Jakarta’s air quality, which deteriorated to become the worst in the world on Sunday.

President Joko Widodo is considering imposing a pollution tax and requiring vehicles with 2.4-liter capacity or more to use the highest octane fuel. The extended dry season, vehicle emissions and fumes from nearby factories especially those relying on coal for power have worsened the capital’s air quality, he said in the cabinet meeting on Monday.