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THE GOVERNMENT plans to take coordinated measures to tackle the deteriorating air quality in Jakarta, according to Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno.
The tourism minister underlined that the government had earlier dealt with a similar issue during the preparations for the 43rd ASEAN Summit held in Indonesia’s capital city last year.
“We will simply emulate the measures we took during the preparations for last year’s ASEAN Summit to reduce air pollution. To ensure better air quality for delegates of the 43rd ASEAN Summit last year, the government applied the work-from-home scheme for civil servants and conducted weather modification,” he remarked at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (7/01).
Sandiaga noted that to ensure better air quality for delegates of the 43rd ASEAN Summit last year, the government applied the work-from-home scheme for civil servants and conducted weather modification. The worsening air quality in Jakarta presents a danger, especially to those often indulging in outdoor sports and exercise.
“Last year, I experienced a respiratory problem due to my outdoor workout routine,” he pointed out.
However, the minister noted that the poor air quality in the capital city and its surroundings had yet to adversely affect the tourism sector and the holding of sports events.
“Thank God, two big events held recently, namely BTN Jakarta International Marathon and LPS Monas Half Marathon, went successfully,” he remarked.
According to air monitoring site IQAir, the air quality in Jakarta still stands in the category of unhealthy as of Monday at 6:15 local time, ranking in the top five among the cities with the worst air pollution globally.
The site recommends that people in Jakarta refrain from venturing outdoors and wear masks if they need to go outside. People are also advised to close their windows to avoid air pollution in their houses. [antaranews/photo special]
