DPR Asks Schools To Take Initiatives To Anticipate The Impact Of Air Pollution On Children

Photo by Ahmad Syaifudin on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, appealed to schools to participate in anticipating the impact of air pollution, especially in Jabodetabek and its surroundings. Because air pollution can cause health problems, including for children.

"The government must make a comprehensive breakthrough in the system, without neglecting other impacts from a policy. Including how the school participates in various anticipations. This needs to be optimized to protect children from the dangers of air pollution," said Puan, Thursday, August 24.

Based on data from the DKI Jakarta Health Office (Dinkes), in the first semester of 2023 there were 638,291 ISPA cases in the capital. This number increased by 20.2% compared to the same period in 2022, which recorded 531,925 cases.

Of these, 44.6% of them are children under 5 years old. This figure shows that children are the group most vulnerable to ARI.

According to Puan, the school can adjust the learning system for children as an effort to anticipate the impact of air pollution.

For example, to avoid outdoor teaching and learning activities first. Then make sure the sanitation and air circulation in the classes are in good condition. Then prepare basic medical facilities and needs for children at school," said the first woman who served as Chair of the DPR RI.

More than that, the school is considered to have to pay attention to a wider and comprehensive approach. For example, by improving facilities in facilities and infrastructure commonly used by school children.

"Schools and public facilities such as outdoor playgrounds need to re-implement strict health protocols to protect children from pollution-polluted air particles," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture added that the support for facilities and solutions in schools and public awareness is the best way to protect children from the bad effects of air pollution. Puan also emphasized the importance of children having an optimal and healthy learning environment.

"Steps such as improving school facilities, educating about air pollution, building green open space, and strict law enforcement against sources of pollution are important steps that must be considered by the Government," he explained.

Regarding the deteriorating air quality, the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) proposes that schools re-implement PJJ to minimize the occurrence of health problems in children. The PJJ's proposal is considered necessary for a more in-depth study.

"Because there will definitely be an impact if this policy is implemented. Such as the psychosocial impact on children considering that PJJ can isolate children from the social environment in schools that are needed to grow and develop them," said Puan.

"Direct interactions with classmates and teachers have important values in shaping interpersonal skills and mental development. In addition, distance learning will also affect an in-depth understanding of learning materials," he added.

For this reason, Puan said that the PJJ policy must be considered further. Given that not all children have the same access to the technology needed for PJJ. This can result in gaps in the quality of education received by children.

"So it must be studied comprehensively before it is decided, including regarding infrastructure and other needs," said Puan.

"In addition, distance learning can provide additional burden for parents, especially for parents who have to work," added Bung Karno's grandson.

Puan also encouraged the Government to immediately determine attitudes related to health impacts for children in the midst of air pollution. Moreover, there has been an increase in cases of acute respiratory infection or ISPA in the capital city.

"The government needs to take swift and responsive steps in saving the nation's generation from exposure to air pollution which causes disease easy to catch," concluded Puan.