DPR Asks Ministry Of Health To Respond To Health Risks Of 'Microplastic Rain' Issues

Illustration of rain (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Netty Prasetiyani Aher, responded to the results of research by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) which revealed that there was microplastic content in rainwater in various major cities in Indonesia.

Netty asked that BRIN and the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) can follow up on the study with a more in-depth study and be submitted comprehensively so that the public can get a proportional understanding.

"We appreciate BRIN's research. However, it is also necessary to provide further scientific explanation from the Ministry of Health regarding the level of risk and its impact on human health, including the skin, so that people get clear information and do not cause panic," said Netty to reporters, Wednesday, November 5.

According to Netty, these findings should be an early warning for the government and society to strengthen efforts to control plastic pollution and protect public health, especially those related to the skin and respiratory system.

"Microplastic findings in rainwater show how widespread the impact of plastic pollution on our lives is. This is not only an environmental issue, but also public health that needs cross-sectoral attention," he said.

In addition, Netty assessed, the government needs to strengthen public education regarding simple steps to protect itself from microplastic exposure, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, field workers, and urban communities.

"Public education is important. For example, an appeal to wash your skin after it rains, wear a shield when doing outdoor activities, and reduce the use of single-use plastic which is the main source of microplastics," explained the PKS legislator from the West Java electoral district.

Netty reminded that microplastic issues cannot be separated from health and environmental issues. Therefore, he encourages cross-ministerial cooperation to strengthen research, monitoring, and plastic pollution control policies.

"We need to work together across ministries to ensure that our air, water, and soil are cleared of dangerous particles. Handling microplastics is part of efforts to maintain public health in a sustainable manner," he concluded.

As is known, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) released the latest research results revealing the presence of microplastic content in rainwater in Jakarta. The research has actually been carried out since 2022, led by BRIN Research Professor in the field of oceanography, Muhammad Reza Cordova.

From the test results, his team found the presence of microplastics in all rainwater samples collected. The detected particles are generally small plastic fragments and synthetic fibers, with types thought to originate from polyesters, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, to polybutadiene.

According to BRIN, on average, about 15 microplastic particles per square meter are found every day in the coastal area of the capital.