This was conveyed by acting governor of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, after a limited meeting with the President at the Jakarta Presidential Palace on Monday, which was held to discuss air pollution.
"Today, when the President chaired a meeting to discuss pollution, he asked us to accelerate the transition to EVs, especially (addition of electric buses to) TransJakarta's (fleet)," he said.
He further said that the President asked the Jakarta provincial government to provide more electric buses to TransJakarta in 2024.
"We are still calculating the capability of our regional budget (for TransJakarta electric buses). I have also asked other local governments such as Bogor, Bekasi, and Depok to participate in buying electric vehicles," Hartono said.
In addition to accelerating the transition to EVs, the provincial government will ask the managements of high-rise buildings to spray water from the top of the buildings simultaneously to reduce pollution.
"We will first focus (on water spraying) from the Jakarta administration buildings such as the City Hall and the mayor's offices, while, at the same time, asking (the managements of) buildings owned by private, central government, and state-owned enterprises (to do the same)," he informed.
The President also called on all parties in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi to plant more trees.
He said that since July 2023, his administration has planted 25,567 trees measuring two to three meters in height, and this activity will be continued.
Furthermore, Hartono urged children to wear masks when doing activities outdoors to prevent exposure to air pollution in Jakarta.
"Like what the Minister of Health says, it is true that upper respiratory infection cases have increased, especially in toddlers. So, we encourage children to wear masks outdoors," he said.
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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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