Inaugurated As Jakarta Leader, Pramono-Rano Encouraged To Accelerate Handling Of Air Pollution

The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Along with the inauguration of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta for the period 2025 - 2030, Pramono Anung and Rano Karno, Air Talks - non-profit organizations that advocate to improve air quality, reiterated the importance of strategic policies in overcoming air pollution in the capital. With the nine main recommendations, Air Talks hope that this new leadership will immediately take concrete steps to ensure cleaner and healthier air for Jakarta residents.

Novita Natalia, Co-Founder of Air Talks, stated that the problem of air pollution cannot be ruled out and must be a high priority in local government policies.

"This inauguration marks a new beginning for Jakarta. We urge the Governor and Deputy Governor to act immediately with strict and data-based policies to tackle air pollution which further threatens public health," said Novita in a written statement, quoted on Sunday, February 23.

Novita emphasized the need for stricter application of sanctions for perpetrators of air pollution and clarity of the reporting flow, both for micro and macro-scale violations. In addition, regulations, reporting methods and sanctions for perpetrators of air pollution need to be more massively socialized to the public.

"Education and community participation in efforts to reduce air pollution are also a concern. Air talks propose a clear and efficient reporting system and the implementation of a maximum fine of IDR 500,000 for violators who burn garbage carelessly," he said.

Novita also highlighted the importance of inter-regional cooperation in Jabodetabekpunjur to overcome cross-border air pollution, including strengthening the early warning system to deal with extreme pollution conditions.

"We also encourage transparency in the provision of air quality data through information integration from various sources, such as the government's Air Quality Monitoring Station (SPKU) and more affordable independent sensors. In areas of hot spots of high pollution in Jabodetabekpunjur, it is necessary to hold a study of source application and emissions inventory. With this data disclosure, pollution sources can be more easily identified and policies can be formed effectively," he added.

In the transportation sector, the Air Talk proposes policies such as implementing electronic paid roads (ERP), providing public transportation rate incentives during peak hours, developing JakLingko routes and Transjabodetabek Feeders, as well as implementing low emission zones. The distribution of low sulfur fuels is also very important to reduce emissions that are proven to be harmful to health.

Jakarta residents need to be given a more environmentally friendly transportation option. With the right incentives, the shift from private vehicles to public transportation can be realized more quickly," he added.

In the industrial sector, said Novita, Air talks encourage the transition from coal to renewable energy, the installation of pollution control technology such as scrubs, relocation of heavy polluting industries outside densely populated areas, as well as revocation of permits for industries that are proven to pollute the air. Transparency in environmental evaluation results is also considered important to ensure the accountability of industry players.

Previously, this recommendation had been submitted to all pairs of candidates for governor in a Blue Talks discussion entitled "Challenging the Jakarta Cagub to Complete Air Pollution" on November 14, 2024 in Tebet, Jakarta. Speaking of Air, I hope that the new leadership can immediately implement these strategic policies to create a healthier environment for the people of Jakarta.