DPR: Sanctions For Residents Who Burn Garbage Don't Be Repressive

ILLUSTRATION BETWEEN

JAKARTA - Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives encourages the Government to intensify socialization regarding waste burning activities which are one of the causes of air pollution. This follows the recent worsening of air quality, especially in Jabodetabek and its surroundings.

"The problem of air pollution is an emergency and must be resolved quickly because it has an impact on public health. This includes promoting socialization to the public about burning illegal waste which is one of the contributors to air pollution," said Member of Commission IV DPR RI, Daniel Johan, Wednesday, August 23.

It is known that the worsening of air quality is not only due to long dryness and exhaust gas from motorized vehicles. Illegal waste burning by the community also contributes to the cause of poor air quality.

The reason is, the carbon content (CO2;) of the burning of open waste is very dangerous and contributes greatly to the decline in air quality. For this reason, Daniel encourages local governments to carry out massive education considering that there are still many residents who often burn open or illegal waste.

"Each local government must be able to provide education about the impact of burning garbage carelessly," he said.

Daniel also supports the Tangerang Regency Government's policy of planning to impose sanctions on perpetrators of illegal waste burning in their area. Even so, the Government must conduct socialization before implementing sanctions for burning garbage by residents.

"This step aims to provide a better understanding to the public and avoid the application of sanctions that are too sudden," said Daniel.

He added that a clear understanding of the sanctions for burning illegal waste can avoid social conflict. In addition, said Daniel, so that more people give support to the Government which is trying to overcome air pollution.

"If there are still those who are stubborn, strict sanctions can only be carried out. That must also be done in humane ways and must not be repressive," he said.

"The government's firm stance is indeed needed so that illegal burning of garbage by residents in open spaces can be stopped, but make sure that all residents have received direction and socialization equally first," added Daniel.

Legislator dari Dapil Kalimantan Barat I ini juga menyebut sosialisasi sebelum pemberlakuan sanksi dapat memiliki manfaat jangka panjang yang signifikan. Seperti, menurut Daniel, peningkatan keadaran lingkungan.

"The public will better understand their contribution in protecting the environment and reducing air pollution. With people who are more aware of the impact of burning waste, it is hoped that air pollution will be significantly reduced," he said.

Daniel assessed that massive socialization is as important as the application of sanctions. Because the main goal of imposing sanctions is to change bad behavior.

If without awareness accompanied by a correct understanding, people will only change their behavior temporarily. So it is very important to educate and socialize about the impact of burning this garbage," said Daniel.

Keep in mind, not all people have a deep understanding of the bad effects of burning garbage on air quality. Socialization will help raise their awareness of the importance of protecting the environment," he continued.

Socialization from the Government to the public will also provide information about regulations and legal consequences that can be faced if they commit violations related to burning illegal waste.

Socialization also provides an opportunity to promote more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as waste management with auction recycling, compost, or an integrated waste collection system, Daniel explained.