Employers Association Comments on Jakarta WFH Policy, Claims it Unsustainable
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15 August 2023 22:20 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) voiced their concerns over Jakarta's work-from-home (WFH) policy to resolve the ongoing air pollution issue in the city. Head of Apindo Shinta Kamdani believed the policy to be a reactionary, temporary relief.
"[WFH policy] is not sustainable and not able to completely resolve Jakarta's air pollution issue," Shinta wrote in a WhatsApp message to Tempo on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
Shinta proceeded to list several reasons for this. First, Shinta explained, the exact percentage of pollution contribution, namely fuel-based vehicles, waste burning, industrial pollution, or long drought is currently unknown.
Second, Shinta said, the pollution from fuel-based vehicles still needs to be studied further. "Whether or not the vehicles on the street passed the emission test," said Shinta.
Furthermore, Shinta said that not all workers or all sectors are able to implement WFH. There are several sectors that experience a decrease in productivity while implementing the WFH policy.
For example, factory workers or conventional retail workers are required to be at the business premise to induce productivity.
Apindo recommends the government first study the exact sources of pollution and a comprehensive regulation draft to lower the pollution rate. The study ought to be based on the calculation of the economic and provisional impact. "We believe that would be the most prudent and sustainable medium-long-term solution," Shinta concluded.
For the short-term solution, Apindo recommends the government focus on the improvement of existing pollution mitigation regulations. For example, the emission test, prohibition of waste burning, and public transportation and electric vehicle utilization.
Meanwhile, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo instructed the government to conduct weather modification and to implement regulations to accelerate the emission limit in Greater Jakarta. In addition, he also instructed to establish more green open spaces and implement the WFH policy as a solution to the air pollution issue in Jakarta.
RIRI RAHAYU | M. JULNIS FIRMANSYAH
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