Ridwan Kamil's Pledges If Elected Jakarta Governor: Less Pollution, JakLingko Stays Free

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Ridwan Kamil has revealed several key promises should he be elected as the city's leader. Supported by a formidable coalition of 12 parties, Ridwan has pledged to prioritize improving Jakarta's air quality.

He made this statement during a health check as part of the Jakarta election process at Tarakan Regional Hospital in Central Jakarta on Saturday, August 31, 2024. While exercising on the treadmill as part of the test, Ridwan acknowledged the significant air pollution affecting Jakarta.

He described the city's skyline, visible from the treadmill, obscured by pollution. “As I was running on the treadmill, I realized that it (the pollution) must be addressed promptly.”

Here are some of Ridwan Kamil's promises expressed in the last two days:

1. Addressing Air Pollution

The former governor of West Java acknowledged that he and his running mate, Suswono, would prioritize addressing health issues, particularly air pollution. He frequently heard reports of hospitals overflowing with patients suffering from acute respiratory infections (ARI).

“We will focus on resolving air health issues as a top priority if elected,” he stated.

2. Settlements Above the River

Ridwan admitted that he obtained inspiration after undergoing a health check at Tarakan Regional Hospital. One of them was the hospital building's proximity to the river. “The concept of constructing a tall building above a river for public benefit already exists. For instance, this hospital. However, we intend to expand upon this idea by increasing the number of downtown housing units featuring similar building designs,” he explained.

3. Equitable Development

During a meeting with supporters in Bambu Apus, East Jakarta, Ridwan pledged to create a more equitable and just Jakarta.

“We envision a Jakarta that is fair and equitable, free from pollution. We want to minimize the distance between workplaces and residences, promoting equality,” he stated on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

Meanwhile, Suswono expressed a shared desire to increase the happiness index of Jakarta residents. “Bang Emil and I have the same goal of working for the benefit of Jakarta's citizens,” he said.

4. Mental Health Support Vehicle

Ridwan revealed plans to introduce a mobile mental health support vehicle as a means of addressing mental health concerns. He explained that the vehicle would be staffed with counselors and psychiatrists.

He hopes that this initiative will raise awareness of mental health issues among Jakarta residents, reducing the reliance on social media for support.

5. CFD in Every Sub-district

Ridwan expressed a desire to expand the Car-Free Day (CFD) program to every sub-district. “We want CFD to be accessible not only in Sudirman but also in all sub-districts, ensuring that happiness is distributed evenly and reducing the need to travel to the city center,” he said.

Additionally, he plans to implement a monthly Car-Free Night. Through this event, he aims to promote local businesses and MSMEs through bazaars.

“We will hold a Car-Free Night once a month, promoting MSME efforts in the inter-village area through night bazaars,” he explained.

6. Interest-Free Credit

Ridwan pledged to implement an interest-free credit program for underprivileged communities. He noted that such programs had previously been successful in Bandung and were widely implemented in West Java.

“We have a credit program without interest or collateral for those who lack the means to secure collateral, specifically for underprivileged communities,” he stated.

The former mayor of Bandung also explained that credit could be obtained by submitting applications in groups of five. “If one person encounters difficulties, the other four are responsible. That's the basic principle,” he said.

7. JakLingko Remains Free

Regarding public transportation, Ridwan promised to maintain the current free fare policy for JakLingko microtrans transportation. He stated that the zero-fare program initiated by former governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan would be continued.

“I intend to preserve all the positive aspects of Anies' policies,” Ridwan Kamil declared in the Bambu Apus area, East Jakarta, on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

SAVERO ARISTIA WIENANTO

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