Overcoming Air Pollution, Commission IX Disposal Of The Proposal For The Establishment Of The DPR Special Committee

(Photo by Sean totaling on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Commission IX of the DPR RI has a proposal to encourage the formation of a special committee (Pansus) to find solutions to overcome air pollution that is troubling the public, especially in Jabodetabek and its surroundings. By involving cross-sectors, it is hoped that there will be a more comprehensive policy in overcoming the problem of air pollution.

"We have some suggestions, that what if later we propose to the leadership of the DPR to create a Special Committee for how we can both overcome the problem of air pollution. Not only in Jabodetabek, but throughout Indonesia," said Deputy Chairman of Commission IX DPR RI, Charles Honoris, Thursday 24 August.

The proposal for the formation of the Special Committee appeared in a meeting with the Central Executive of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) which held an audience with Commission IX of the DPR today. During the meeting, all doctors who are members of PDPI agreed that the problem of air pollution must be resolved through cross-sectoral channels.

At the meeting, PDPI revealed data regarding the impact caused by air pollution. According to PDPI, overcoming the problem of air pollution is not only looking for the latest solution, but finding a formula for preventive measures that minimizes the emergence of pollutants in the air.

Therefore, Charles stated that Commission IX of the DPR would hold a meeting to discuss the possibility of forming an Air Pollution Special Committee.

"We will hold an internal meeting and later we can decide there. The decision whether or not there is a Special Committee will be decided together by the leadership of the DPR by getting input from other commissions," he explained.

During an audience with the DPR, PDPI revealed that the cause of worsening air quality was not only caused by one factor, such as the result of pollutants from motorized vehicles. But also power plants and factories that use coal as fuel.

Then cigarette smoke is also a contributor to pollutants in the air that have a negative impact on health. For that, according to Charles, cross-sectoral cooperation is needed to deal with these problems

"If we make a special committee, later we can involve cross-sectoral friends, both those related to transportation, KLHK (environmental affairs), industry and so on. So that later recommendations will also be issued," said the legislator from the Jakarta III electoral district.

Charles added, to suppress air pollution also requires a sustainable and sustainable attitude. With hope, the air quality in Indonesia, especially in Jabodetabek, can be maintained in the future.

"Once again the health problem is at its end. There are consequences and impacts, but the main problem that must be addressed immediately is why. So we have to find a sustainable solution," said Charles.

"So national planning is needed which is held in mutual cooperation between ministries. So it involves all stakeholders, both from the central and regional governments," he said.

The formation of the Special Committee is also supported by several commissions other than Commission IX in charge of health affairs. This is because the problem of air pollution must be done together.

"With the leadership of Commission IV (environmental affairs) and Commission VII (energy) informally, they said yes, indeed if they want to solve this problem, they must work together. So the discourse regarding the Special Committee, handling Jabodetabek pollution is not something that is possible to do," said Charles.

On the other hand, Charles also mentioned the proposal for Distance Learning (PJJ) to minimize the health impact of air pollution on children. He considered that this was only a short-term solution.

"For me this is a solution that is not a permanent solution and must be the last option. Distance learning, maybe will only solve the problem in the next few days," he said.

Currently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has issued instructions for employees, both in the central, regional and state-owned governments to implement the Work From Home (WFH) policy with a quota of 50 percent.

In addition, ASN who got the turn to Work From Office (WFO) was encouraged to use environmentally friendly public transportation facilities. This is a step by the central government to reduce air pollution in Jabodetabek.

"That what we have to think about is how we present solutions permanently, long-term, and everlasting ones. Not only for example doing WFH and distance learning," concluded Charles.