"We are actively addressing this issue. We have begun tackling emissions from vehicle exhaust," Nurofiq stated after inspecting Tomang Barat Market alongside Trade Minister Budi Santoso here on Friday.
He highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Transportation, the National Police, and the Jakarta Provincial Government to conduct emissions tests on N and O type vehicles, including freight trucks and trailers, starting March 11.
On the occasion, Minister Nurofiq announced that sanctions would be imposed on freight truck operators whose vehicles fail emissions tests, emphasizing the significant impact of vehicle exhaust on air quality.
Controlling air pollution, particularly in Jakarta and its surrounding areas, presents several challenges, including enforcing regulations against open burning at industrial sites.
Additionally, Indonesia’s fuel quality remains a major contributor to vehicle-related air pollution.
To address emissions from coal-fired power plants, the government is also exploring alternative, environmentally friendly raw materials.
"We aim to transition to materials other than coal, but we must first conduct trials, as this shift carries long-term implications," Nurofiq explained.
According to a 2024 IQAir report, Indonesia ranked 15th among the top 20 countries with the worst air pollution, citing an average PM2.5 concentration of 35.5 micrograms/m³
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Translator: Prisca, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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