The ministry's Director of Air Quality Protection and Management, Edward Nixon Pakpahan, noted here on Thursday that air pollution in Greater Jakarta has become a recurring issue and therefore requires stronger action not only from the Ministry of Environment but also from regional governments.
"Regional governments, as authorities at the grassroots level, need to increase monitoring and supervision in their respective regions," he emphasized.
This is necessary as several sources of air pollution in Greater Jakarta require supervision to ensure regulatory compliance, including activities in industrial areas, with industrial emissions -- especially those using coal -- accounting for 14 percent of air pollution in the area.
Additionally, illegal open burning of waste and agricultural land clearing contribute nine percent to air pollution during the dry season.
The largest share of pollution comes from vehicle emissions, contributing 42-57 percent to air pollution during the dry season.
Pakpahan also ensured that the ministry provides support, including supervising industrial areas and taking legal action against those who violate environmental regulations.
According to data from the Ministry of Environment, as of early June 2025, the operations of 11 companies had been halted for causing air pollution.
The Ministry of Environment initiated action against 116 companies in the Greater Jakarta area for contributing to air pollution during the 2023–2025 period.
It is currently preparing a national road map for monitoring industrial areas as part of the efforts to curb pollution.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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