Jakarta Govt on Lead Paint Found at Playgrounds: We Don't Know

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head of the Jakarta Forestry Agency, Suzi Marsita, said it did not know that several of the city’s parks had been painted with paint containing lead. She said the Jakarta administration would never have approved of the use of such paint if it had known the situation from the beginning. 

“We were not aware of it, it was based on a lab test study,” said Suzi in Central Jakarta on Sunday, October 27.

Following the shocking findings, Suzi said the agency had kicked off a thorough check on public parks’ infrastructure, especially those covered in paint. 

“I have ordered those in charge of public parks to conduct a thorough check on existing parks,” she continued. 

Based on the findings of the agency, some of the paint in the capital’s parks and child-friendly public places (RPTRA) contained lead. Suzi, however has yet to pocket the number and the exact locations.

“So yesterday we have tagged the locations, there are some at our parks, including in Menteng, if I am not mistaken,” she said.

Last week, Nexus3 Foundation released its study results on lead exposure with a high-level concentration in 32 Jakarta parks and playgrounds. The toxic metal poses a serious threat to children as it can disrupt organs' functions and stymie babies' development.

LANI DIANA WIJAYA