Indonesia's Fight Against Air Pollution

Indonesia is taking several measures to tackle its air pollution crisis. The country's air pollution has complex and varied causes, from forest fires to vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and construction dust. Jakarta, in particular, suffers from severe air pollution due to its dense population, heavy traffic congestion, and reliance on motor vehicles. The combination of these factors creates a persistent smog that poses health threats to residents. While the Indonesian government has been criticized for its slow response, recent events, such as the President falling ill, have sparked more urgent action. Authorities are now encouraging the use of public transportation, promoting electric vehicles, and installing bike lanes. They are also monitoring emissions from power plants and industries, with plans to impose strict sanctions on non-compliant industries. Citizens are also taking legal action, demanding stricter air pollution regulations and improved monitoring. Indonesia is also tackling plastic pollution by aiming to reduce marine plastic waste by 70% within five years and achieve a plastic pollution-free nation by 2040.

Encouraging citizens to use public transportation

Indonesia has been facing an air pollution crisis, with Jakarta being one of the most polluted cities in the world. The country's rapid urbanization has led to a sharp increase in vehicular emissions, which are a major source of air pollution. The transportation sector, dominated by a large number of ageing vehicles, significantly contributes to the levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter in the air.

To tackle this issue, Indonesian authorities have encouraged citizens to use public transportation. Here are some measures and initiatives taken by the government and other organizations to encourage the use of public transportation:

Promotion of Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure Development

The Indonesian government has promoted the use of electric vehicles in Jakarta, which can help reduce vehicular emissions. The development and promotion of electric vehicle infrastructure can make electric cars more accessible and attractive to citizens, encouraging a shift from private to public transportation.

Installation of Bike Lanes

Dedicated bike lanes have been installed in Jakarta, encouraging citizens to opt for bicycles as a mode of transportation. This not only reduces the number of motor vehicles on the road but also contributes to a healthier and more environmentally friendly mode of transport.

Work-From-Home Schemes

The Indonesian government has also called for the implementation of work-from-home schemes, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging remote work can reduce the need for daily commutes, thereby decreasing vehicular emissions and congestion.

Public Awareness and Education

Educational campaigns and public awareness programs can play a crucial role in encouraging citizens to use public transportation. Informing citizens about the environmental and health impacts of air pollution and the benefits of reducing vehicular emissions can help foster a sense of collective responsibility. Additionally, providing information about the available public transportation options, their routes, and schedules can empower citizens to make the switch.

Improvement of Public Transportation Systems

Enhancing the efficiency, affordability, and accessibility of public transportation systems can make them a more attractive option for citizens. This includes investing in the maintenance and expansion of existing systems, as well as exploring new technologies and sustainable transportation solutions.

By implementing these measures, Indonesia aims to reduce its air pollution levels and provide cleaner, healthier environments for its citizens. It is important to note that while encouraging the use of public transportation is a significant step, it should be part of a multifaceted approach that also addresses other sources of air pollution, such as industrial emissions and forest fires.

Monitoring power plant emissions

Indonesia's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including forest fires, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust. Jakarta, the capital city, is known for its severe air pollution due to its dense population, heavy traffic, and surrounding smoke-spewing factories and power plants.

To tackle air pollution from power plants, continuous emissions monitoring is crucial. Power plants need to monitor emissions continuously according to local emission regulations. Flue gas emissions from power plants can include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), dust, and mercury (Hg). Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) utilize advanced technologies such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence (CVAF) to measure multiple gases simultaneously.

Power plant operators have various systems available to reduce pollutants, and the choice depends on several factors. Environmental regulations have driven the development of technologies to control pollutants, and these technologies evolve as regulations change and new pollutants are identified. For example, the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists technology options such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction and wet scrubber technology for SO2 reduction.

Additionally, software technology approaches, such as advanced process control and digital twin modeling, can complement or replace costly capital expenditure investments while achieving compliance and sustainability goals. These technologies can improve combustion efficiency, increase generation capacity, and reduce emissions.

Indonesia's efforts to monitor and control power plant emissions are part of a multifaceted approach to improving air quality and protecting public health. By combining regulatory enforcement, technological advancements, and regional cooperation, Indonesia aims to tackle the complex challenge of air pollution.

Reducing plastic waste

Indonesia has recognised its significant contribution to plastic waste pollution in the ocean and the urgency of taking action. The country has implemented several measures to tackle this issue, including:

Reducing Plastic Usage

Indonesia aims to reduce plastic consumption by working with industry leaders to eliminate unnecessary plastic materials from their supply chains. This includes avoiding single-use plastic packaging and promoting reusable alternatives.

Improving Recycling Infrastructure

Indonesia plans to double its recycling capacity by investing in infrastructure to process an additional 975,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year. This expansion will enable the country to keep up with the growing plastic production in the ASEAN region and increase its recycling rate, which was only 10% in 2017.

Enhancing Waste Disposal Facilities

The country is developing and expanding safe waste disposal facilities to manage an additional 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. These facilities will ensure the proper disposal of non-recyclable plastic and waste generated in remote locations, preventing them from becoming plastic pollution.

Beach Clean-up Initiatives

Community clean-up initiatives, such as beach clean-ups, have gained popularity. In August 2018, over 20,000 people participated in a one-day beach clean-up across 76 locations in Indonesia, raising awareness about the waste crisis. Local and national governments have also prohibited waste dumping into rivers and organised regular clean-up activities involving local residents.

Education and Awareness

Initiatives like Waste4Change educate the Indonesian populace on sorting and sustainably managing waste. This includes promoting the use of reusable bags and bottles and rejecting single-use plastics to reduce their environmental footprint.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Indonesia aims to reduce marine plastic waste by 70% by 2025 and achieve a plastic pollution-free nation by 2040.

Stricter enforcement of environmental regulations

Indonesia's rapid urbanisation has led to a significant increase in vehicular emissions, with congested traffic and an ageing fleet of vehicles dominating the transportation sector. This has resulted in high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter, affecting the air quality in these cities. Jakarta, for instance, often experiences air quality categorised as "unhealthy" or worse, with PM2.5 levels frequently surpassing safe limits.

To address this, authorities have promoted the use of electric vehicles and encouraged citizens to opt for public transportation. Additionally, the government has started monitoring emissions from motorcycles, cars, and power plants, with President Jokowi stressing the need for strict sanctions on industries failing to comply with regulations. These include the requirement to install scrubbers, with the President warning of potential shutdowns for non-compliant industries.

However, environmental advocates argue that there are other significant contributors to Jakarta's pollution that are being overlooked. Smoke-spewing factories and power plants surrounding the city heavily rely on burning coal, contributing to about 14% of pollution during the wet season. Therefore, stricter enforcement of regulations on these industries is essential to reducing air pollution in Indonesia.

Moreover, forest fires have had a devastating impact on air quality, as seen in October 2015 when nearly 5,000 fires burned simultaneously across forests and peatlands, releasing approximately 80 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide in a single day. To address this, UNICEF is working with the Indonesian government to strengthen regulation and control of land management. They advocate for guidelines on the use of State Forest Land, limited permits for exploration of peatlands and forested areas, and strict checking and enforcement of new developments.

Sustainable forest management

Indonesia's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including forest fires, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and construction dust. The country has been taking steps to address this issue through sustainable practices and regulations. Here are some key strategies related to sustainable forest management:

• Indonesia recognizes the importance of sustainable forest management in mitigating air pollution. The country has taken steps to protect its rich biodiversity and ecosystems, focusing on the preservation of its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands and 81,000 kilometers of coastline.
• The Indonesian government is working to regulate land management and set guidelines for the use of State Forest Land. They are introducing limits on permits for exploring peatlands and forested areas, with new developments requiring licensing and strict enforcement.
• Peatland canals are being considered for improved drainage and irrigation in these sensitive areas. The protection of Indonesia's forest carbon stock is a priority, aiming to prevent depletion and encourage conservation, rehabilitation, and regeneration of degraded areas.
• Indonesia has also committed to tackling plastic pollution, aiming to reduce marine plastic waste by 70% within five years through a system-change approach. By 2040, the country aspires to be entirely plastic pollution-free, emphasizing the circular economy to keep plastics out of oceans, waterways, and landfills.
• To achieve these goals, Indonesia plans to reduce or substitute plastic usage, working with industry leaders to transform supply chains. They aim to double their recycling capacity to address the explosive growth in plastic production and build or expand safe waste disposal facilities to manage non-recyclable plastic materials.

These initiatives demonstrate Indonesia's commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation, contributing to the global effort to tackle air pollution and protect natural resources for future generations.

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