Jakarta Cannot Tackle Pollution on Its Own

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the past two weeks, Jakarta has consistently topped the list as the world’s most polluted city, according to IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality technology company. Irate by the ranking, the acting Jakarta Governor, Heru Budi Hartono, promptly ordered the Jakartans to work from home (WFH).

The WFH policy indicates the government’s assumption that the primary source of pollutants choking the city is motor vehicles. However, several non-governmental environmental organizations say that the real culprits are coal power plants and factories surrounding Jakarta. “It doesn’t matter,” Heru responded to Tempo reporters last Friday, August 25. “The bottom line is to reduce pollution immediately.”

In the interview that lasted for about an hour, Heru explained the challenges in combating transboundary environmental problems such as air pollution. Heru who serves concurrently as Head of the Presidential Secretariat also shed some light on two major plans that he wished to accomplish before 2024, the fate of Jakarta after the establishment of the new capital city Nusantara in East Kalimantan as well as the possibility of him running for governor of Jakarta.

How is the Jakarta air pollution being tackled?

Many people ask when and how the pollution problem will be solved. Jakarta can’t tackle it on its own. We’ve enforced WFH. Yes, its pollution percentage is small but we took the measure. Subsequently, the number of vehicles on the road decreased up to 1.6 to 2 percent. That’s only from Jakarta state employees. With the reduction of vehicles, the level of congestion fell around 4 percent.

How big is the impact on reducing pollution?

Congestion is a causal factor of air pollution. When vehicles stop in traffic jams, the machines keep on running. Why WFH? Because that’s the most feasible and fastest (measure to take). I want everyone to follow this policy based on their own abilities and considerations. Businesses can start operations at 10 am or employees can work on shifts. Small traders can’t apply WFH unless they are in a service business. I wanted to know first how much pollution could be reduced if the number of vehicles (on the road) decreased drastically due to WFH. If it turned out it was not quite effective, if that’s the case, let’s find other ways.

How is the WFH compliance ensured because we are not in a pandemic?

We have the Home Affairs Minister Regulation instructing all civil servants and SOEs (state-owned enterprises) and regional government-owned enterprises employees in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi to work 50 percent from home. It will start on Monday so let’s see.

Doesn’t it target the industries too?

We can’t enforce it on factories because they need to eat and fulfill supplies. If we stop power plants, the electricity will go out. The current policy is the only one that does not reduce economic activity. It’s not bad if it can lessen (pollution) within two or three days. Pollution is related to upper respiratory tract infections (URTIS).

How big is the increase in URTIS cases?

Not too significantly albeit the drastic increase in pollution. The number of URTIS patients in March was 157,000, in April 144,000 and in May 134,000. It increased to 143,000 in June after the dry season began and climbed further to 156,000 in July. Up 10,000 cases.

What are the contributing factors to Jakarta’s bad air quality?

Everything. The industries, the transportation. It’s 50:50 according to my calculation. They all are contributors to pollution.

This is transboundary pollution. What is Jakarta’s suggestion to the central government?

First, WFH. Second, emission tests for all motor vehicles. This should not be done by the Jakarta administration only. How many millions of vehicles from regions enter Jakarta? So, other local governments must also conduct emission tests in their respective cities.  

Shift to electric vehicles?

I’ve been waiting for this question. Why don’t you ask the same to Bogor, Depok and Bekasi? Jakarta bought 100 electric cars this year. What about West Java and Banten governors? If you are not financially capable, please have empathy. But, do they really can’t afford to buy just one bus? There won’t be any effect. I know, but it’s just to give a trigger. To give a nudge.

Is there a government instruction already for emission tests?

Yes. There are not many vehicles for the Jakarta administration to run the test. That’s why it was agreed during the meeting at the Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordination Minister’s office the other day that the sole sale agents (ATPM) would be obligated to issue some kind of recommendation, for example, for cars that are serviced (after certain mileage of 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000). Whether the owners ask or not, ATPMs are required to check emissions before the cars are released.

What about curbing pollution from the industries?

If we talk about Jakarta, well, by tightening permit issuance and oversight. We give two or three months to them to start using scrubbers.

Is it a must?

Yes, it is.

Has Jakarta already issued an instruction to that effect?

Jointly with the Environment and Forestry Ministry. We must not kill the industries either. We give time, for instance, for procurement or import, or installation of equipment. But we will enforce the law on the industries that should not but do emit high levels of pollution.

Can their permits be revoked?

Law enforcement in the form of, for example, warnings or the requirement to use certain devices to prevent pollution.

The use of gas?

Yes. For example, as a licensing term, they should declare that they would not contaminate the environment and use the type of energy that pollutes minimally. Apparently, a 10-year-old company in its 11th year of operation is still using coal. That’s a violation of the regulation.

Are there indications that the industries are intensifying production after falling behind during the pandemic?

I think they are manufacturing normally. The global economy is down, right? Add to this the dry season, El Niño.

Read the Full Interview in Tempo English Magazine