Traffic Noise Analysis in Urban Jakarta: A Contextual Approach to Physics Education

Abstract

Aims: To investigate urban traffic noise levels at four strategic locations in Jakarta and evaluate the efficacy of a field-based learning approach for teaching sound-wave concepts to physics education students. Study Design: A mixed-methods design involving a cohort of 12 physics education students and combining empirical quantitative acoustic measurements with qualitative descriptive analysis of pedagogical outcomes. Place and Duration of Study: Four strategic locations surrounding the Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI) campus in Cawang, East Jakarta (PGC Cililitan, the vicinity of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Cawang Baru, and Kampung Melayu Bus Station). Data were collected during morning, midday, and afternoon sessions. Methodology: Students utilised a validated digital Sound Level Meter application to collect primary acoustic data at six specific observation points per location. Measurements, together with observations of traffic volume and the physical environment, were recorded across three time intervals. Concurrently, the students' written investigative reports were qualitatively evaluated to assess their conceptual understanding of wave physics and proficiency in measurement-error analysis. Results: Sound intensity varied significantly across the locations. The vicinity of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport recorded the highest noise levels (average levels >90 dB, with a peak of 110.53 dB), largely driven by aviation operations. Cawang Baru exhibited significant midday surges, peaking at 91.00 dB. High traffic volumes and urban-canyon effects exacerbated noise accumulation, whereas vegetative cover provided natural attenuation. Pedagogically, the field-based approach was effective; 75% (9 of 12 students) successfully articulated sources of empirical bias and performed error analysis based on their field data. Conclusion: The findings indicate that integrating real-world acoustic investigations into the physics curriculum can help bridge abstract theoretical concepts with tangible urban realities. This contextual approach can support students' science process skills, meaningful learning, and scientific literacy among future educators.