Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, has been struggling with a persistent cough for four weeks, which some believe may be caused by the severe smog crisis in Jakarta. The city and its surrounding areas have been covered in thick smog, with Jakarta frequently ranking high on pollution indexes. The situation reached a tipping point as social media flooded with complaints and a protest took place demanding action.
Acknowledging the urgency, President Jokowi held a meeting with ministers to discuss potential solutions for Jakarta’s air pollution problem. Measures discussed included random emission tests for vehicles, fines or license revocations for failing tests, a pollution tax for vehicles, and weather manipulation programs to induce rain and clear the haze. These proposals signify a significant development in Indonesia’s approach to addressing air pollution, as previous efforts have been limited.
Environmental advocates have long been calling for action on Jakarta’s air pollution problem. In 2015, when neighboring countries expressed concerns about the haze caused by Indonesia’s forest fires, the then-Vice President dismissed their complaints and praised Indonesia’s nice air. This indifference and resistance to acknowledging the problem have been ongoing.
In 2021, a court ruling brought hope to environmental campaigners that the government would take action. The ruling stated that authorities were negligent in ensuring clean air for citizens and ordered the national and city governments to tighten air quality regulations and implement a plan to minimize pollution. However, progress has been slow, and activists argue that the proposed measures are insufficient.
While efforts have mainly focused on reducing traffic congestion, the contribution of smoke-spewing factories and coal power plants to Jakarta’s air pollution problem has been largely ignored. Coal combustion was responsible for 14% of pollution during the wet season from October 2018 to March 2019, while the transportation sector is the largest source of pollutants.
Unfortunately, Indonesia’s coal consumption reached a record high last year, leading to increased emissions from coal-fired power plants. Strict regulatory enforcement is lacking, with companies relying on self-reporting. The recent measures announced by President Jokowi, including greater supervision of industrial sites and power plants, offer hope for a holistic approach to tackling air pollution. However, for many Jakarta residents, these changes may have come too late.
Despite the concerns and calls for action, some progress is being made in addressing Jakarta’s air pollution crisis. It is crucial for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and take swift and comprehensive action to combat this ongoing issue. The health and future of Jakarta residents depend on it.
