Air Pollution Is Getting Worse, Let’s Modify Jabodetabek Weather Quickly!

JAKARTA - Air pollution in Jabodetabek has been categorized as very bad in recent weeks. The government was asked to speed up the process of weather modification in order to wash away pollution in the air.

"One of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution in Jabodetabek is by rainwater which has not fallen for a long time due to the long dry season. So weather engineering or modification must be carried out as soon as has been directed by the President," said Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) chairwoman Puan Maharani, Tuesday, August 15.

Puan encouraged related ministries/institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) assisted by the TNI/Polri or the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to speed up the technology process. Weather Modification (TMC). With the hope, rain can flush around Jabodetabek and reduce air pollution.

"If it is possible to speed up the weather modification process, it is better to do it immediately. Because this dry season causes pollution in the air to not decompose. So it does require rain by modifying the weather," explained Puan.

If steps are not taken to reduce air pollution immediately, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture assesses that it will have a more severe impact on public health. Puan reminded that the state is obliged to protect the safety of its citizens from any threat, including things that threaten the health of citizens.

"Health problems are the impact of severe air pollution in Jakarta. If it is not addressed quickly, more and more people will get sick due to pollution through the air they breathe," she said.

"Moreover, people who have a lot of high mobility outdoors, will automatically tend to be vulnerable to the effects of pollution," continued Puan.

According to the records of the DKI Health Office, there were 638,291 cases of ISPA in Jakarta between January and June 2023. Seeing the large number of health cases due to air pollution, Puan asked every health facility to be prepared, especially those around Jabodetabek.

"Make sure medical devices are in a ready condition, including health workers to be more aware of patients who complain of pain in the respiratory tract. Don't let people have difficulties when seeking treatment at every health facility," she said.

For people who have high mobility outdoors, Puan appealed to be more vigilant in anticipating the impact of air pollution. One of them is by re-using masks when doing outdoor activities.

"We all know that masks have been proven to prevent transmission of the virus during the Covid pandemic. To avoid various diseases caused by air pollution, it is better to wear masks when outside. This also includes children," said Puan.