Nasionalberita.com – President Joko Widodo convened a limited meeting with his team to address the deteriorating air quality in the Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi (Jabodetabek) region over the past week. The meeting took place at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 14, 2023.
“In today’s limited meeting, we will discuss the air quality in Jabodetabek. Over the past week, the air quality in Jabodetabek has been extremely poor. On August 13, 2023, the air quality index in DKI Jakarta reached 156, categorized as ‘unhealthy’,” President Jokowi stated in his opening remarks.
According to the President, the decline in air quality in Jabodetabek is attributed to several factors, including the prolonged dry season over the last three months, leading to elevated concentrations of pollutants. Additionally, emissions from transportation and industrial activities in the Jabodetabek area have contributed to the poor air quality in the region recently.
To address this issue, President Jokowi provided guidance to his team for short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions. In the short term, the President emphasized the need for immediate interventions to improve air quality in Jabodetabek.
“Furthermore, weather manipulation to induce rain in the Jabodetabek area and the implementation of regulations to accelerate the adoption of EURO 5 and EURO 6 emission standards, particularly in Jabodetabek,” he elaborated.
“Additionally, the creation of more green open spaces is essential. This, of course, requires budget allocation. If necessary, we must boldly encourage various offices to adopt hybrid working practices—such as working from the office and working from home. Perhaps, I don’t know, the outcome of this limited meeting might decide whether it’s a 75-25 distribution or another figure,” he continued.
In the medium term, President Jokowi urged his team to consistently implement policies aimed at reducing the use of fossil-fueled vehicles. He also encouraged all parties to swiftly transition to mass transportation options, including Integrated Railways (LRT), Integrated Rapid Transit (MRT), and high-speed trains.
“I believe that the LRT will soon be operational this month, the MRT is already in operation, and the high-speed train is expected to start next month. We must also accelerate the electrification of public transport with government support,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, for the long term, the Head of State requested that his team strengthen climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. President Jokowi also asked for vigilant oversight of the industrial and power generation sectors, particularly in the Jabodetabek area.
“Lastly, widespread public education,” he concluded.
