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| The portrait of Dr. Sukarsono, M Si., the Head of the Center for Environmental and Population Studies at the University of Muhamadiyah Malang (UMM). (Photo: Istimewa) |
Recently, the air quality in Jakarta has become a public concern due to the low feasibility of air to breathe. Responding to this issue, the Head of the Center for Environmental and Population Studies of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Dr. Sukarsono, M.Si., spoke up. Basically, many materials can pollute air quality, including heavy metals, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
As he explained, one of the sources contributing to air pollution is motor fumes, producing carbon monoxide gas. According to the latest data from the National Statistics Agency of Jakarta, the number of motorized vehicles in DKI Jakarta is more than 26 million, including passenger cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles.
“With such a large number of motorized vehicles in the capital, it is evident that it is one of the contributors to air pollution,” said Sukarsono.
The man, who once worked as an auditor for industrial waste disposal in Jakarta, added that factories, whose production processes produce gas from chimneys, also have the potential to contribute pollutants, supported by weather conditions during the dry season with low rainfall intensity. Consequently, it makes the air remain collected and persist.
“Jakarta is a crowded city; also, many vehicles and industries exist there. Air pollution will be naturally clear; especially if the rain intensity is low, pollutants in the air will be even more visible because they remain in the sky,” added the Head of the Center for Environmental and Population Studies at UMM.
More in-depth research on what content dominates in air pollution needs to be examined in response to this concern. Despite that, he also offered several solutions. One is to increase the standardization of exhaust emissions for motor vehicles and factories.
“Try to look for the cause, don’t just rely on speculative thoughts. Everything must be based on research. Those who speak must also be professionals so that they can immediately find out the main cause (of air pollution) and how the standardization of exhaust emissions must be more noticed,” asserted Sukarsono.
Additionally, optimizing public transportation is a simple yet applicable step to reduce air pollution. Other options are available too: walking or cycling. Not only does it contribute to reducing pollution, but it also maintains the body’s health.
He advised that the government must also be fully committed to considering existing air quality in Jakarta — now the current spotlight — and other regions by providing comfortable facilities for pedestrians and improving the quality of public transportation modes so that people are more comfortable. (imh/faq/wil)
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