"Hopefully, this will have a positive effect," Jakarta Environment Service head Asep Kuswanto said on Friday.
He expressed confidence that residents could end the habit of open burning, which he acknowledged has become routine for some, while warning that such practices significantly contribute to air pollution and urged the public to stop the activity to protect the environment.
Compared with other regions, the level of open burning in Jakarta is relatively low, Kuswanto said. However, the practice still occurs, and he thanked residents for being responsive when such incidents happen in their neighborhoods.
The idea of imposing social sanctions follows a proposal by Muhammad Reza Cordova, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Cordova suggested that, in addition to the existing Rp500,000 (around US$30) fine, violators should face social penalties because Indonesians tend to fear embarrassment more than paying fines.
"People who burn trash should have their photos displayed at the urban village office. I'm sure they’ll feel ashamed, and the chance of repeating the offense will be smaller," he said, adding that sanctions do not always have to be monetary but can also be socially corrective.
Open burning of waste, especially plastic, is one of the causes of rainwater in Jakarta containing microplastics. These tiny plastic particles also originate from synthetic clothing fibers and dust from vehicles and tires.
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Translator: Lia Wanadriani Santosa, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Anton Santoso
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