Jakarta Air Pollution, Congestion May Stay Even Sans Capital Status, Says Heru Budi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono predicted that air pollution and traffic congestion will continue to exist albeit the city no longer holds the status as the capital because the national economic activity will remain concentrated in Jakarta. Economic activity is inextricably linked to people's mobility.

“[Will pollution disappear?] I think it won’t because the completeness of a city takes time. The infrastructure of a city takes time. I don't know how long it will take for Indonesia,” Heru Budi said at the Jakarta City Hall, on Friday, August 25, 2023.

According to him, Jakarta is a complete city which is evident from the existence of the MRT, LRT, and integrated mass transportation. Jakarta also has flyovers, underpasses, the service industry, and the property industry.

“I think there is still [air pollution]. Perhaps the ASN number will decrease, but will there be no more traffic jams? Well, people are comfortable doing business in Jakarta. So maybe, God willing, there are many business people in Jakarta. When asked about traffic jams, yes, the roads might still be congested too,” he opined.

Previously, on April 10, 2023, Heru Budi said Jakarta planned to become a global city and the center of national economic development after the National Capital moved to IKN Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

MUTIA YUANTISYA

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