Minister Of Health: Government Seriously Handles Air Pollution Impact

Discussion participants witnessed the opening speech delivered by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin online during an ISF 2024 discussion in Jakarta, Friday (6/9/2024) (ANTARA/Prisca Triferna)

Minister of Health (Menkes) Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that the government is taking serious steps to deal with the impact of air pollution on health. Air pollution is not only an environmental issue, but also a challenge for the health sector because of its impact on daily life. He stressed that globally, air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths each year. "In Indonesia, the impact is also very worrying, with economic burdens reaching around 4 million US dollars annually due to health care costs and reduced productivity. This amount is not only a number, but also shows a real burden for families and communities in Indonesia," Budi said when opening online the thematic discussion of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 in Jakarta, Antara, Friday, September 6. For this reason, he said, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has now integrated PM2.5 data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) into the Ministry of Health's One Healthy online platform. This integration provides access for the public to check air quality conditions at all times, as well as raise awareness regarding outdoor activities in areas with high air pollution. "We are also improving our laboratory capabilities to precisely identify pollutant types and sources," he said. He said sophisticated equipment was used, including a high-volume air sampler or air pollution gauge, gas chromatography and X-ray florescence used to provide accurate analysis.

"The Ministry of Health continues to disseminate information to the public regarding the dangers of air pollution and how everyone can take protective measures, including wearing masks when air quality is in the bad category," he said.