`Everyone responsible for the environment'<\/p>\n
The government has made many efforts to deal with the heavy
\npollution. For example, in order to curb air pollution, public
\ntransportation vehicles are obliged to take an emission test. The
\nEnvironmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) is also required for any
\nproject to measure its potential to pollute the environment.
\nUnfortunately, the environmental condition is getting worse. In
\nconjunction with the 31st World Environment Day this year, The
\nJakarta Post asked several city residents about the issue.<\/p>\n
Edi, 48, is a taxi driver who used to drive a public bus
\nplying the Jakarta-Denpasar route for several years. He lives in
\nCiputat, southern Jakarta, with his wife and five children:<\/p>\n
The emission test for public transportation vehicles is just a
\nformality. Actually, the test is not really a test.<\/p>\n
It's true that we can manipulate the test result. Usually, we
\nbribe the local police with between Rp 300,000 and Rp 400,000 to
\npass the test. It's common practice among public transportation
\ndrivers. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to pass the test, as the
\npolice will find some fault so that we'll fail the test. So, we'd
\nrather pay a bribe than getting into trouble, and besides, we
\nneed the license.<\/p>\n
Well, to some extent, I also realize that by doing such a
\nthing, we also contribute to the pollution because all public
\ntransportation vehicles will pass, regardless of their true
\ncondition.<\/p>\n
Tuchid, 31, is an office boy with a private company supplying
\nraw materials to bakeries in Kemandoran, West Jakarta. He lives
\nin Slipi Jaya, West Jakarta:<\/p>\n
Air and noise pollution is so bad that living in the city is
\nno longer comfortable. Worse, industrial wastes have polluted
\nalmost all rivers in the city.<\/p>\n
The Amdal is no use because of its poor enforcement. Many
\nfactories here neglect the Amdal. If they implemented it, they
\njust engineer it in such a way so that they can avoid being
\nmonitored by the public and authorities.<\/p>\n
To minimize the overwhelming pollution, the government should
\nstrictly enforce the Amdal and stay away from bribes.<\/p>\n
Otherwise, the situation will only favor manufacturers and
\ncorrupt government officials, and so severely harm the general
\npopulation.<\/p>\n
In addition, Jakarta is always flooded as the water catchment
\nareas in Bogor are devastated. The rich and high-ranking
\nofficials are responsible for that, too, I believe.<\/p>\n
The government needs to impose a stern regulation. Law
\nenforcers have so far failed to do their jobs properly, which
\nresults in poor public awareness of environmental issues.<\/p>\n
The environmental problem is not only the government's
\nproblem, but is also the problem of everyone here.<\/p>\n
All mankind worldwide should be responsible for environmental
\ndamages.<\/p>\n
Well, let's start by punishing people who litter to raise
\npublic awareness.<\/p>\n
Udin, 50, is a pushcart vendor selling asinan, a Sundanese
\ntraditional dish of mixed vegetables. He lives in Bukit Duri,
\nEast Jakarta, while his wife and six children live in Sumedang,
\nWest Java:<\/p>\n
The air pollution is so bad that sometimes it bothers me
\nterribly, particularly when there is a traffic jam.<\/p>\n
But after experiencing it for years, I can bear it. At least,
\nI don't get sick because of it anymore.<\/p>\n
I have to be able to cope with the situation, otherwise I
\nwon't have any money to feed my family.<\/p>\n
I hate it that many city residents dump their garbage
\ncarelessly. Less people can now enjoy a comfortable environment
\nbecause of this bad habit.<\/p>\n
I don't have any idea on how we can cope with the situation.
\nMaybe there should be a strict rule that bans people from
\nimproperly dumping their household trash.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/everyone-responsible-for-the-environment-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }