Ideas of Ending Air Pollution in Jakarta

We have stayed on this planet for a long time, but we have caused more damages than good ones. We, ourselves, continuously produce so much waste, such as air pollution. In 2018, Jakarta was nominated as the most polluted city in Southeast Asia based on a study by Greenpeace. This condition still happen until now, even in the morning of June 25th, 2019, Jakarta scored 240 on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The sky becomes grey at that time, meaning that the air quality in Jakarta is very unhealthy. Over population, drastic rise in traffic volume and emissions disposal from motor vehicles and also industries are the main causes of this problem. These causes make the air pollution become worse. The air pollution effects human negatively, so it causes various health problems, like respiratory infection, asthma, and etc. Currently Jakarta is not a pleasant place to be because of the air pollution, and this is a serious situation that needs to be addressed. 

First, we have to conserve our energy by using solar panel. We all already know that the emissions come from all the gases we produced. People have emitted large amounts of CO2 through the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline and other non-renewable natural gas. This emissions tangibly cause the air pollution. With this condition, people can prevent the emissions disposal by using energy more efficiently. One applicable way to reduce our daily consumption is to use solar panel, as an alternative and renewable source of energy. Solar panel is a panel that absorb the sun as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating, with photovoltaic cells. Solar panel can replace the use of fossil fuel. This means that we are not processing any gases or emissions that cause air pollution, because we only utilize the sun’s ray without emitting gases. It can even reduce the CO2 footprint by 80% per year. 

The next is limiting the use of motor vehicles. In big city like Jakarta, the contributing of motor vehicles as a source of air pollution reaches at 60-70%. Motor vehicles give off more than half of all CO, CO2, and hydrocarbon emissions. These emissions can contribute to serious health or respiratory problems. To reduce the air pollution that come from motor vehicles, we can do several things. The first one is using public transportation which has been provided by the government, like TransJakarta, KRL, and MRT. Using public transportation can also reduce the traffic jam. The second is carpooling. Cars contribute to air pollution. However, by carpooling, every car also has the potential role to take a part in minimizing the air pollution. Instead of driving alone, we can share our car with other passengers who have the same trip as ours. Third, if you want to play a part in helping to reduce the air pollution while keeping your body healthy, you can easily ride your bike or walk instead. With fewer vehicles,  CO, CO2 and other pollutant gases will be lowered, and it means the air quality will be improved.

The last way to deal with air pollution is to plant more trees. Not without reason, trees can clean the air and absorb harmful pollution from gases and emissions produced by motor vehicles and industries. Through Photosynthesis, trees gently absorb the particles, odors, and pollutant gases which settle on the leaves of trees. They absorb those pollutant with their stomata and effectively filter the pollutant gases. Trees also supply us with fresh oxygen. Hence, we need to encourage and educate people to plant more trees. For example by supporting or joining tree planting movement like Gerakan Tanam Pohon and making a breakthrough movement which carried out by many people. With more trees, the city will grow shady and cool. And of course, there will be more oxygen supply for all of us.

Jakartans now are suffered from the air pollution. Getting or having clean and healthy environment is every body’s right, as stated in Human Rights Law Number 39 of 1999. But, this also our obligation to achieve it. Conserving energy with solar panel, limiting motor vehicles and planting more trees are some good and applicable solutions to improve the city. If we can do these massively, we will solve this problem. Finally, as cited from The Jakarta Post, Jakartans deserve a much better quality. Jakartans also deserve clean and healthy blue sky everyday.