The Story Of Mothers Talking About The Air Calls For Air Quality Improvement In The Nearest Pilkada

JAKARTA - Clean air is a basic right which is now threatened by the deteriorating air quality in Jakarta. As one of the cities with the worst air pollution levels in the world, Jakarta faces serious challenges that affect the health of its citizens, especially mothers who are worried about the long-term impact on their families and children.

This concern is the main basis for the Blue Talks program at The Sustainability X Experience (TSX) 2024, Jakarta, Saturday 5 October, where women from the Air Talk call for the importance of improving air quality in the upcoming Pilkada.

Air-Co-Founder Ratna Kartadjoemena highlighted that the moment of the Pilkada was the right time to urge regional head candidates to pay attention to air quality issues. He said that his party was busy asking to meet with a candidate for governor to bring air quality issues into priority.

During the election, we met presidential candidates to ensure they heard the voices of the people. Now, ahead of the gubernatorial election, we will also be busy meeting potential governors, so that this issue becomes a priority," he explained.

Ratna also emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in advocacy, so that this issue remains the government's attention. He reminded the public not only to become passive netizens, but also to be proactive in voicing their wishes to leaders who have the power to act.

"So indeed we as people are required to always be active. We must also be actively urgent and also give opinions whatever we want to people who have competence so that we are heard," he said.

Novita Natalia, Co-Founder of Air Talks, said that public awareness needs to be improved through innovative strategies, including virality on social media. He added that the virality of the issue was the first step to ensure that policies that support improving air quality could be implemented immediately. The public is asked to play an active role in voicing these demands more effectively.

"When we talk about air pollution, we also talk about public policy. For that, the public needs to be aware that at this time, if the issue is not viral, it often does not get attention from the government," he added.

On the same occasion, another Co-Founder of Air Talks, Amalia Ayuningtyas said that the problem of air pollution requires a comprehensive systemic approach. He proposed policies such as the thorough Clean Air Act, in order to overcome various sources of pollution.

"This problem is very systemic, it cannot only be overcome with one action. All of us, both the government, companies, and the community, must work together to achieve comprehensive solutions," he concluded.

With the voices of mothers such as Ratna, Novita, and Amalia, Air Talks invite all Jakarta residents to actively support improving air quality in the upcoming Pilkada. As residents, we have the right to breathe clean air, and we must continue to voice the importance of policies that support this.