Speaking Of Air Collaborating With The Ministry Of SOEs Releases Air Pollution Correlation Module Against Stunting

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Jakarta is often named the worst air quality city in Indonesia. Garbage burning by the community is the main contributor to hyperlocal-type pollution. In the month of Ramadan, waste discharge is predicted to increase due to changes in people's consumption patterns and decreased waste transport services. This can increase the burning of waste, as indicated by the BPS survey in 2022, where 65.54 percent of the 75 thousand households admit to burning their waste.

Departing from this problem, Air Talks, a Non-Profit Institute that actively conducts public education, research and collaboration, as well as audiences and advocacy to the government regarding issues of air pollution; in collaboration with the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) releasing the Air and Stunting Pollution Module, as guidelines and handles for young mothers and Muslims, in voicing the importance of a more appropriate air pollution control strategy.

Primadita Rahma, Community Specialist Spokesperson for Air, said that his party launched the Air Pollution and Stunting module as part of public education to anticipate the arrival of the dry season which will have an impact on the deteriorating air quality again.

"We are grateful for the support from the Ministry of SOEs, as well as the assistance from fellow collaborators who helped organize this event, we hope that this module can be disseminated so that people can be aware of the various risks of respiration diseases due to air pollution," Prima said at the time of the launch of the module at the Forum for Young Muslim Mothers: Ramadan Sayang Bumi: Mother Cares, Together Expel Pollution" held at the Ministry of SOEs, Jakarta, Monday, March 25.

On the same occasion, Special Staff to the Minister of SOEs Tsamara Amany said, the Ministry of SOEs wants to emphasize the importance of maternal health and its relationship with the environment, especially air quality. Mother's health is a crucial aspect that not only affects the current generation but also future generations. This is also Minister Erick Thohir's commitment to support the welfare of women and children.

"There have been many studies showing that the fetus is very vulnerable to environmental contaminants, with the worst pregnancy results including miscarriage, premature birth, and neonatal death (the death of a newborn)," he added.

Tsamara said that women, especially mothers, play an important role in health and environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is important for all parties to raise awareness about the impact of pollution and take proactive steps to reduce exposure. This includes supporting policies that reduce air pollution, encourage environmentally friendly practices at home and at work, and participate in reforestation initiatives.

Mr. Erick Thohir as Minister of SOEs has issued a daycare obligation rule that not only supports mothers working in carrying out their double roles but also ensures a healthy and safe environment for their children. This reflects our awareness of the importance of health and a good environment as the basis of social and economic welfare," he concluded.