Environment Minister: Much of Jabodetabek's Air Pollution Comes from Vehicles and Coal-Fired Power Plants

The Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK), Siti Nurbaya, revealed the sources of air pollution in the Jabodetabek area. She stated that 44% of Jabodetabek's air pollution comes from vehicle emissions, and 34% from coal-fired power plants (PLTU). "The rest is from other sources, including households, burning, and others," Siti said in an online press conference on YouTube Sekretariat Presiden, Monday (28/8/2023).

Responding to this, President Joko Widodo urged the government to focus on addressing air pollution.

"The President stressed that everyone should focus on activities to control air pollution because it affects health. Therefore, solutions must be based on health," Siti said.

Siti also stated that all ministries/state institutions need to be firm in implementing policies and field operations.

"This is all in the context of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry regarding law enforcement and pollution. Especially from industries, power plants and others, and strict vehicle emission testing," Siti said.

On the same occasion, the Minister of LHK stated that the government is trying to conduct weather modification to reduce the impact of air pollution in Jabodetabek.

"But it needs to be understood that this weather modification technique requires clouds. There are requirements according to climatological regulations, and this needs to be strengthened according to existing conditions," Siti explained.

(Read also: Jakarta Air Pollution: List of Coal-Fired Power Plants and Company Operational Closures)