Jakarta's Air Quality: Serious Threat And Hope For Change

Jakarta, the glittering capital city, the center of economic activity, and a dream destination for many people. However, behind the glitter of this city, there is an increasingly difficult problem: Jakarta's deteriorating air quality. And this is nothing new. Data taken last week from the World Air Quality Index (WAQI) shows that Jakarta will rank third worst in the world in terms of air quality in 2023, having serious implications for the health and quality of life of its residents.

Jakarta's deteriorating air quality has caught the attention of the DKI DPRD which has questioned the oversight of the DKI Provincial Government. This question reflects concerns about the lack of concrete steps taken by the government in dealing with this problem. It's time to face the fact that Jakarta, as a developed capital city, must face air quality issues seriously and responsibly.

The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta has attempted to carry out regional governance and development of green open spaces (RTH) as a step to improve air quality. However, despite these efforts, Jakarta's air quality still falls short of expectations. There needs to be more concrete and effective steps to overcome this problem.

The situation became even more apprehensive when the Acting (Pj) Governor of DKI Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, issued a statement that could not be taken seriously, and even tended to tickle. To suggest that the best solution is "just blow the air" is unbecoming of a leader. We need leaders who are responsive and responsible in dealing with this serious problem.

However, not all hope is lost. In an effort to improve Jakarta's air quality, the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) has taken various steps, including developing environmentally friendly public transportation and trying to reduce motor vehicle emissions. An odd-even policy is also enforced at certain points. These efforts provide some hope for a better future.

This alarming situation cannot be ignored. In fact, Jakarta is ranked third worst in the world in terms of air quality according to the World Air Quality Index (WAQI), which means it poses a serious threat to the health of its residents. Air pollution can cause various respiratory diseases, health problems, and even have an impact on long-term life.

Jakarta's air quality problem must be a serious concern for all of us. Every individual has an important role to play in reducing air pollution by adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle, reducing the use of private vehicles, and supporting pro-environmental policies.

We must realize that Jakarta's air quality is a shared responsibility. Real change will happen when we all come together and take action. Don't let Jakarta gasp in the haze of air pollution. Let's keep this capital city together so that it remains a safe, healthy and comfortable place for all of us.

Jakarta's murky air quality should be an alarm for all of us. The future of the city depends on the concrete steps taken today. Don't let the worsening air quality erode our lives. If we continue to ignore Jakarta's air quality problems, we won't see any real change. It's time to change the paradigm and commit to maintaining healthy and clean air for the city we love. We must not let Jakarta, a symbol of progress and our pride, breathless in the haze of air pollution.

The future of Jakarta and its air quality is in our hands. We must unite, take real action, and instill hope for fresh and clean air in the capital city. Let's make Jakarta an example for other cities in protecting the environment and better air quality.