Public Policy Observer Says There Is An Agenda For Settings For PLTU Corners In Jakarta Air Pollution Issues

JAKARTA - Public Policy Observer, Agus Pambagio, suspects that there are those who ride the issue of air pollution in Jakarta to corner the Steam Power Plant (PLTU) in the west of Java Island.

"Regarding the PLTU mentioned as the cause of Jakarta pollution where previously it has never been mentioned at all in the BMKG study and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (LHK), I think this is a setting agenda made," he said in a discussion with the theme Solusi Pollusi Jakarta in Gambir, Central Jakarta, Tuesday 15 August.

According to him, many fake/hoax news was spread, such as the results of satellite images that were reddened in West Java and Banten.

"Well, it's not a satellite picture, it's a kind of simulation that is deliberately fabricated to confuse us and it's not clear who made it, it's a hoax," he explained.

Agus explained that the most obvious cause of pollution in Jakarta is transportation.

Even the President and Minister of Environment and Forestry also stated this. Although PLTU has carbon produced, it is not the main cause of air pollution in Jakarta," he explained.

The government, he explained, had made an agreement at the Climate Change Conference (COP 27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. According to him, the Government has agreed with international agencies including plans to retire the PLTU for energy transition.

"Now if we have such multilateral agreements, there are parties who ride them so that their merchandise sells, so they take advantage of the issue of pollution as it is today. But what is clear is that the images are simulated confirming, not satellite captures," he explained.

According to him, Indonesia cannot immediately retire the Coal Steam Power Plant (PLTU). The Indonesian government agreed to retire the coal power plant and switch to clean energy, but must gradually comply with the road map and consider financial capabilities.

"If forced, our power outages can be turned off. At a number of international conferences I have already talked about that," he said.