Press Jakarta Air Pollution, Factories In Jabodetabek Will Be Installed With Disposal Gas Sensor Devices

The National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta is in a condition of air pollution (ANTARA)

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that factories in Jabodetabek will be fitted with sensors to detect the type of gas released to suppress air pollution.

"We will give sensors to factories around Jakarta, so we know what gas is issued," said Luhut, who was met after attending the 2024 Supply Chain & National Capacity (SCM) Summit, at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 14.

He said that this was done to detect gas released from factories, such as diocsin or other harmful substances. This must be closely monitored, because it can endanger public health.

He emphasized that the plan to install sensors is part of the government's responsibility in maintaining air quality and public health.

However, Luhut also emphasized that this responsibility is not only on the shoulders of the government, but is a shared responsibility of all elements of society.

Luhut asked the public to provide constructive input regarding these steps, without making things worse.

He also emphasized that the government has no other choice, if it wants to protect public health from the bad effects of air pollution.

"So I beg you, if there is input, please. But don't make a fuss, the government does this, we have no choice, if we want to make it healthy, what we have to do," said Luhut.

For Luhut, the plan to install sensors to detect gas types from factories is very important, because the air quality index in Jakarta ranges from 170 to 200. Even so, he did not explain in more detail about the plan.

In addition to the plan to install sensors to detect gas types from factories, the government also encourages the acceleration of the implementation of the use of Battery-Based Electric Motor Vehicles (KBLBB) and the use of low sulfur fuel oil (BBM).

Luhut added that air pollution has had a serious health impact, which has forced the government to spend IDR 38 trillion for public medical expenses.

"Because of the 170-200 air quality index, many of them are sick with ARI. You (journalists) get it, I'm also affected. So this is our burden to be crowded," he said again.

Previously, Luhut revealed the plan to close the Suralaya Steam Power Plant (PLTU), in Cilegon, Banten, in order to reduce air pollution in Jakarta.

According to him, this is done as an effort by the government to overcome air pollution, especially in the DKI Jakarta area. For this reason, his party will review this matter, especially since the PLTU has been operating for more than 40 years.

He said that his party would immediately hold a meeting to follow up on the plan to close the PLTU, so that the Jakarta air quality index could be below 100.