Jakarta (ANTARA) - Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar, electric motorbike community Elders, and vocalist of Indonesian rock band Slank, Kaka, participated in a tree-planting activity and promoted the use of electric vehicles (EV) to tackle climate change.

"This activity is a good initiative since it comes from the people in the context of dealing with climate change by converting oil-fueled vehicles into electric ones," Minister Bakar said after joining the activity at Lukito Daryadi Arboretum, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

The conversion of conventional bikes into electric vehicles has become one of the most challenging tasks for the government, considering the need to provide people with comprehensive information on the importance of the conversion, she added.

Wednesday's activity, which was initiated by Elders in collaboration with Kaka, will help intensify efforts to promote EVs and provide positive impacts to society, she opined.

"I think this is a very good agenda aimed at reducing the use of fossil-based fuel while absorbing carbon emissions. The electric motorbike community will plant trees at points along its riding route. The Environment and Forestry Ministry will support it," the minister informed.

Meanwhile, Kaka said that he joined in organizing the activity due to his concern over environmental deterioration because of the massive use of fossil-based fuels, among other things.

"The point is that I and the Elders community want to change the mindset of the people and encourage them to switch to using electric motorbikes. I believe that by planting trees, we can expedite the realization of the dream of improving our air quality," he explained.

In order to promote the conversion campaign among the broader population, he and the community are planning to convert more than 4 thousand fossil fuel-based motorbikes into EVs.

"The plan will be executed during the celebration of Slank's 40th anniversary," he informed.



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Translator: Moch Mardiansyah, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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