Jokowi Calls for Cooperation from Satellite Cities' Support to Overcome Air Pollution in Jakarta

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) (Doc: Setneg)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said that a joint effort is needed to tackle air pollution in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi areas.

"Yes, this requires a joint effort. Everyone must do this, (including making) a move from private transportation to public and mass transportation," he told reporters after visiting a public vocational high school quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 30.

"This really needs total work, work together, but it takes time, it can't be done right away. We will do a lot to solve this (problem), but it's a gradual process, yes (the process)," said the President.

The President said the government had made efforts to modify the weather and intensified tree planting in office areas to reduce air pollution.

In an effort to reduce air pollution, the government is also reviewing the implementation of work-from-home regulations for state civil servants, increasing supervision of the operation of steam power plants, and carrying out emission tests on motorized vehicles.

The President reminded industry players that sanctions would be imposed on industries that disobey gas emission control regulations, causing a decrease in air quality in the surrounding areas.

"(Is subject to) definite sanctions, and can be closed. At yesterday's meeting, I said, if (the industry) doesn't want to improve, don't install scrubbers (pollution control equipment), (then there will be firm action) for this..., because the price of health what we have to pay is very expensive," he said.

The government has imposed administrative sanctions on 11 industries that are sources of air pollution. The sanctions were imposed on coal, metal smelting, paper, and charcoal companies.

In addition, the government is taking steps to prevent the impact of increased urban air pollution on the health of residents.

The government is campaigning for the implementation of the 6M+1S protocol to prevent the adverse effects of air pollution on health.

The 6M+1S protocol includes checking air quality, reducing outdoor activities, using air purifiers, avoiding sources of air pollution, using masks, implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle, and immediately consulting a health worker if you experience health problems.