Air Quality In Indonesia Is Worsening, Deputy Minister Of Health: Pollution Is Not Only The Responsibility Of The Government

Illustration. The multilevel building is disguised by the fog of air pollution in Jakarta, Monday, July 8, 2019. (ANTARA-M Risyal H).

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes) Dante Saksono Harbuwono invites the public to work together in tackling air pollution in Indonesia, including Jakarta. "The public must be able to be on guard and must consider this pollution is not only the responsibility of the government, but a shared responsibility," said the Deputy Minister of Health when met in Jakarta, Monday, August 14, which was confiscated by Antara. The Deputy Minister of Health said that the community also needed to work together to tackle air pollution, because the consequences were also borne together. In addition to being caused by industry, he said, air pollution is also caused by private vehicles belonging to the community.

"If you can rely on public transportation, it will also be better," said Deputy Minister of Health Dante.

The Deputy Minister of Health appealed to the public to again promote the habit of wearing masks, especially in places that have poor air quality. He also mentioned that the government is jointly conducting joint evaluations regarding the causes of pollution, as well as preparing steps or efforts to control air pollution comprehensively. "Currently, pollution problems are being discussed at the President's meeting with several ministers. Later concrete steps will be issued regarding pollution that are currently happening," said the Deputy Minister of Health.

Previously, Jakarta again occupied the first position as the worst air city in the world on Sunday, August 13 morning. Based on data from the IQAir air quality monitoring site on Sunday, August 13, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Jakarta is at 170 or is categorized as unhealthy with PM2.5 air pollution.