According to UN Habitat's Cities Prosperities Index, the total quantity and quality of green spaces, especially open spaces, are crucial for a city. As this also reflects the prosperities of the city, which is an essential component of the environmental sustainability index.

"Public open green spaces have a positive impact on various aspects of urban life, including increasing resilience in microclimates, providing natural green spaces, promoting physical and mental health, offering communal spaces for residents to interact, enhancing city safety, and increasing the economic value of the surrounding area," said Dr. Ir. Mochamad Prasetiyo Effendi Yasin, M.Arch., M.A.UD., one of the researchers in Architectural Planning at SAPPD ITB, in his official statement.

The presence of open green spaces can contribute to make the city more sustainable because the presence of trees and green expanses can increase the oxygen volume in the air and mitigate the urban heat island problem by reducing environmental temperatures.

This aligns with one of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to create a sustainable environment and reduce global temperatures. Sustainability efforts can also promote harmony with the local flora and fauna in the surrounding area.

Therefore, the presence of vast green open spaces in the city, such as nature parks or forested areas, would offer more than just greenery and blue elements like trees and water. It also serves as a source of oxygen, a recreational area for the community, and a habitat for preserving endemic flora and fauna.

"Numerous conducted studies have demonstrated that open green spaces are closely linked to physical health, mental well-being, and even memory enhancement. Additionally, regular activities like walking or exercising in green spaces can reduce the risk of illness," he added.

Interacting with nature in a quiet green environment can also provide relaxation for both physical and mental well-being. A study by Gregory N. Bratman from Stanford University found that a 90-minute walk in a natural setting could reduce brain activity and lower stress levels.

Another researcher, Payam Dadvand, in his research involving children and teenagers in Europe, concluded that green environments not only positively impact physical and mental health but also improve memory, concentration, and learning abilities.

The Benefits of Green Spaces in Addressing Pollution Issues

According to the recently released Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), Indonesia is among the six countries that have had the greatest impact on global air pollution.

Indonesia, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India contribute approximately 75% to global air pollution due to high levels of pollution and large populations.

On Monday (4/9/2023), the official IQAir website ranked Jakarta as the 6th most polluted city. According to the IQAir report, Jakarta’s air quality is ranked at number 122, with the main pollutant being PM 2.5. Although the air quality index has improved compared to a few days ago, the air in Jakarta is still categorized as unhealthy, especially for those who are sensitive to it.

So, what about the air pollution in Bandung and the surrounding area? Although it falls into the moderate category, Bandung’s pollution ranking still has the potential to reach unhealthy levels.

Moreover, in a recent tragic incident, a fire occurred at the Sarimukti Final Disposal Site in West Bandung Regency. This incident raises concerns that it could lead to even more severe air pollution.

Prof. Ir. Puji Lestari, Ph.D., an environmental engineering professor at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), emphasized that pollution in Bandung can result from various factors. "The sources can be varied, including transportation and traffic congestion, industrial activities that rely on coal-fired boilers, and the ongoing prolonged dry season," she explained.

ITB is a university that embraces the theme of a green campus, which places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental friendliness in its practices. Finding solutions to address air pollution is one of their priorities.

"To overcome or reduce pollution, it may not be entirely possible to eliminate it, but we can all contribute in some way. One way is by promoting the use of more energy-efficient methods, such as conducting emission tests on vehicles entering and leaving the ITB campus area," she added.

Furthermore, Prof. Ir. Puji Lestari, Ph.D. pointed out that creating green spaces within ITB Ganesha Campus area can also have a positive impact on reducing air pollution.

"With the presence of green spaces, we can create a comfortable, pleasant, and non-chaotic atmosphere. When the atmosphere is pleasant, people tend to choose to walk there by foot instead of bringing vehicles. This will also help to reduce pollution from vehicles," she stated.

Prof. Ir. Puji Lestari, Ph.D. expressed her hope that ITB can contribute to encourage the community to be more proactive in reducing air pollution, including creating open public spaces that promote the health and well-being of the community.

Sharing the same view as Prof. Puji, Dr. Prasetiyo also emphasized that public spaces will have a more significant impact on human’s health, both physically and mentally. This will happen if these public spaces become a regular part of their daily lives.

"For instance, open green spaces along roads should be integrated into residents’ daily routines, whether they are commuting to work, shopping, or heading to campus," said Dr. Prasetiyo.

Similarly, the use of green spaces within ITB Ganesha Campus area should be encouraged as well, not only for the campus community but also the surrounding local community.

"It’s important that these pathways are actively used every day. Therefore, regulations regarding passenger pickup and drop-off points for public transportation such as buses or online transportation services need to be established in specific locations. This way, the movements can be strategically planned. Starting off with students or residents disembarking from public transport and then walking along the green corridor of Ganesha Street until they reach their final destination," he concluded.

Reporter: Anggun Nindita

Translator: Sherina Wijaya