JurnalPost.com - The growth in the number of motor vehicles is becoming an increasingly palpable environmental challenge in urban areas, including Yogyakarta. During peak hours, traffic congestion not only causes gridlock but also increases the volume of exhaust emissions released into the air.
Motor vehicle emissions can contain various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter. If the number of vehicles continues to rise without being balanced by adequate emission controls, urban air quality is at risk of further deterioration.
This issue has also drawn the attention of the Yogyakarta City Government. In September 2026, the city administration organized free vehicle emission testing services as part of an effort to control air pollution and maintain environmental quality.
Biology Students Can Play a Role
The issue of air quality should not be viewed solely as the government's responsibility. The academic community, including students, also has space to engage in efforts to protect the environment.
For biology students, the knowledge gained in the classroom can be applied through simple activities directly related to environmental conditions.
One such activity is observing air quality in various locations with differing levels of traffic density. The results of these observations can be used to understand the relationship between traffic activity and the surrounding environmental conditions.
Students can also play a role by educating the public about the impact of air pollution on human health and environmental balance.
Campaigns promoting the use of public transportation, walking for short-distance trips, cycling, and reducing the use of private vehicles whenever possible can also be simple steps that have a positive impact if carried out consistently.
Greening as a Supporting Effort
Biology students can also contribute through greening activities, both on campus and in residential areas.
Plants have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis. Certain vegetation can also help capture some of the particulate matter present in the air.
Therefore, activities such as planting trees, creating green spaces, and maintaining vegetation along roadsides can be a tangible form of action in maintaining environmental quality.
However, greening should not be viewed as the sole solution.
The presence of trees and green spaces must still be accompanied by a reduction in pollution sources. Plants cannot fully replace efforts to control motor vehicle emissions.
If the number of vehicles and their emissions continue to rise, the benefits of greening will be limited in addressing the primary sources of air pollution.
Changing Habits is Also Essential
Maintaining air quality requires changes that occur from various directions.
The government can strengthen emission control policies, provide comfortable public transportation, and expand oversight of vehicles that do not meet emission standards.
The public can contribute by considering more environmentally friendly ways of traveling.
Meanwhile, students can act as a bridge between science and the public through simple research, education, environmental campaigns, and greening activities.
As a biology student, I see that the issue of air pollution should not be understood only through pollution statistics or traffic density. This problem is also related to the choices and daily habits of the community.
The more people are aware of the impact of using motor vehicles, the greater the opportunity to reduce air pollution in urban areas.
These efforts are in line with the steps taken by the Yogyakarta City Government to encourage vehicle emission control and the use of more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
Ultimately, the air quality of Yogyakarta is determined not only by government policy but also by how the public uses urban space and chooses how to move from one place to another.
The streets may remain busy. However, that does not mean air quality must always be the price paid for the public's increasing mobility.
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