Pollution in Jakarta is Getting Worse, LPBI NU Asks the Government to Find a Comprehensive Solution

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,JAKARTA — Air pollution in Jakarta is getting worse, and even one of the worst in the world today. Therefore, Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Institute for Disaster Management and Climate Change (LPBI NU), Ace Hasan Syadzili asked the government to find a comprehensive solution to this serious problem.

“We have to find a solution to the very high air pollution in Jakarta and its surroundings. This condition should not be left alone without a comprehensive and integrated solution,” said the man who is familiarly called Kang Ace when contacted. Republika.co.idMonday (14/8/2023).

According to him, air pollution is related to the health and safety of residents. If this condition is left unchecked, it will result in public health. Because of that, according to him, the government must not remain silent about the high air pollution in the capital city.

“The government must not remain silent on this very serious problem. The most fundamental basic need for humans is to breathe clean, healthy and fresh air,” said Kang Ace.

Kang Ace, who lives in the South Tangerang area, which has the worst air pollution levels in Indonesia due to air movement from other areas, cannot blame the local government either. Because, according to him, air pollution is indeed a problem that must be resolved nationally.

“Air pollution is a problem that must be resolved between related agencies and between regional governments, even nationally,” he said.

“It’s not only a matter of the use of transportation that must be controlled, but also a matter of spatial planning that can mitigate air pollution,” explained Kang Ace.

As is known, lately the issue of air pollution has become a public spotlight, especially in DKI Jakarta. In fact, Jakarta once occupied the first position as the city with the dirtiest air in the world on Thursday (10/8/2023).

DKI Jakarta Provincial Government also plans to issue a Governor Regulation (Pergub) regarding air pollution control strategies. Kang Ace also appreciated the efforts to issue the Governor’s Regulation. However, he considered that the Pergub alone was not enough to overcome the problem of air pollution.

“Good, but must be integrated with the surrounding area. The issue of air pollution cannot be handled partially. It has to be comprehensive by involving other regions,” said Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII DPR RI.

“The source of polluted air is not only in Jakarta. It could be that the air pollution is due to movement by wind from areas around Jakarta,” said Kang Ace.