Title: Indonesian President Jokowi’s Persistent Cough Raises Concerns about Air Pollution Crisis in Jakarta
Introduction
Medan, Indonesia – Indonesian President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, has been battling a prolonged cough, raising concerns about the deteriorating air quality in the capital city of Jakarta. As reports indicate, Jokowi has been suffering from a cough for nearly one month, fueling discussions about the dire state of Jakarta’s air pollution crisis.
Worsening Air Quality and President’s Health
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, disclosed that the president has experienced persistent coughing for the past four weeks and expressed his discomfort. Uno further suggested that the cough might be linked to the deteriorating air quality, prompting Jokowi to urge authorities to address the issue urgently.
The air quality in Jakarta has witnessed a steady decline in recent weeks, with reports from Swiss air quality technology company, IQAir, indicating that Jakarta now has the worst air pollution globally. Numerous factors contribute to Jakarta’s persistent pollution problem, including vehicle exhaust emissions, construction projects, biomass burning, coal usage, and the release of aerosols. Additionally, factories and industries in surrounding areas contribute to the putrid smog, which engulfs the capital.
President’s Inaction and Citizen Lawsuit
Critics argue that Jokowi’s own inaction in addressing the air pollution crisis attributes to his cough. In a landmark “citizen lawsuit” filed in 2021, Jokowi lost the case, alongside other government officials, including ministers and governors. The court ruled that these officials were responsible for Jakarta’s air pollution, stating that they neglected their duty to regulate pollution levels and improve air quality.
Jokowi and his ministers have appealed the verdict twice, but the final ruling remains pending, causing frustration among citizens actively seeking a resolution to the air pollution crisis. Activist Elisa Sutanudjaja, one of the plaintiffs in the “citizen lawsuit,” expressed disappointment at the sudden concern shown by the government due to the president’s cough, highlighting the government’s years of denial and inaction on the issue.
Urgent Actions Required
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health acknowledged that around 600,000 Jakarta residents currently suffer from upper respiratory infections, further emphasizing the urgency to address the air pollution crisis. Greenpeace Indonesia campaigner Bondan Andriyanu called the situation an emergency that requires immediate attention, criticizing the lack of prompt action until the issue gained online attention.
Inadequate Government Measures
During a recent cabinet meeting, President Jokowi instructed his ministers to create more green spaces and implement hybrid working conditions as preliminary steps to combat air pollution. However, activists and plaintiffs involved in the citizen lawsuit deemed these measures inadequate and shifted the responsibility to residents.
Calls for Comprehensive Solutions
As the country celebrates its Independence Day on August 17, the Jakarta Clean Air Initiative Coalition, comprising plaintiffs and clean-air advocates, held protests against the pollution crisis. Plaintiffs, such as Istu Prayogi, who has been diagnosed with lung issues, expressed disappointment with the government’s failure to resolve the air pollution problem.
Proposed Capital Relocation Plan
While criticisms regarding the lack of practical anti-pollution measures persist, the government has proposed a plan to move the capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. The plan aims to address various issues plaguing Jakarta, including air pollution, traffic congestion, overcrowding, and sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction. Skepticism surrounds the capital relocation plan, with some considering it an excuse rather than a solution.
Conclusion
President Jokowi’s persistent cough highlights the urgent need for comprehensive actions to combat the air pollution crisis in Jakarta. While the government has made some efforts, citizens and activists demand more substantial measures to improve air quality and safeguard public health. The final ruling on the citizen lawsuit awaits, with the hope that it will drive the necessary changes in policies and regulations to effectively address the severe air pollution in the capital.