Air Talks Convey Recommendations For Air Pollution Handling Policy For Elected Jakarta Governor

Photo: Doc. Talk Air

Welcoming the new leadership in Jakarta, the talk of the Air - a non-profit organization that advocates to improve air quality - calls for the importance of priority air pollution handling policies. Through 9 strategic recommendations, Air Talks encourage real steps from the elected Governor of Jakarta to answer pollution problems that increasingly threaten the health and productivity of Jakarta residents.

According to Novita Natalia, Air Spokes Co-Founder, the issue of air pollution must be the main agenda in the new leadership. It is known that Jakarta will have new governors and deputy governors after candidate pair Pramono Anung - Rano Karno is appointed as the winner of the Jakarta Regional Election (Pilkada).

"The quality of air in Jakarta can no longer be ignored. We hope that the elected Governor of Jakarta will immediately take firm action and implement an effective policy for the sake of clean and healthy air for all residents," said Novita, in a written statement, quoted Wednesday, December 18.

Air talks proposed a number of policies, including the need for a replication of the Jakarta Flood Monitoring system for handling air pollution. According to Novita, the development of the Air Monitoring' application to monitor Jakarta's air conditions serves to present real-time data on air quality and identify pollution source points.

"Then, transparency of air quality data through data integration from various sources such as the government's Air Quality Monitoring Station (SPKU) and low-cost independent sensors. With transparent and integrated data, we can identify sources of pollution and follow up appropriately," he added.

In addition, Air Talk also encourages the strengthening of the early warning system followed by law enforcement. According to Novita, this system will help people be better prepared to face extreme pollution conditions while at the same time suppressing pollution sources.

"Besides the early warning system, we also realize that air pollution is cross-border. So, it is important for Jakarta to collaborate between Jabodetabekpunjur agglomeration areas in terms of emission inventory and identification of sources of cross-regional air pollution," he added.

Air talks also highlight the transportation sector as one of the contributors to pollution. Policies such as implementing electronic paid roads (ERP), incentives for public transportation rates during peak hours (accretion of Jaklingko routes and Transjabodetabek Feeders), implementation of low emission zones, evaluation of vehicle emission test programs, and distribution of low sulfur fuel into strategic steps to reduce emissions.

"People must be given a choice of public transportation that is environmentally friendly. Incentives and tariff policies will encourage the shift from private vehicles to public transportation," explained Novita.

Meanwhile, in dealing with pollution from the industrial sector, Air Talk recommends decisive steps such as installing scrubs, relocating heavy polluting industries outside densely populated areas, revoking industrial permits that have proven to cause air pollution, as well as increasing transparency of environmental evaluation results.

"Finally, we also highlight the importance of public education and participation, especially in fighting the habit of burning garbage. A more efficient reporting system and a maximum fine of IDR 500,000 for violators is believed to be able to provide a deterrent effect," said Novita.

With this recommendation, the Air Spokesperson hopes that the elected Jakarta Governor will be able to take progressive steps to realize clean air in Jakarta. Previously, Air Spokesperson had also submitted this recommendation to the three pairs of candidates for Governor-Deputy Governor of Jakarta at the Blue Talks event entitled "Challenging the Jakarta Cagub to Complete Air Pollution" on Thursday, November 14 evening, in Tebet, Jakarta.