`Air pollution almost choking me to death'

`Air pollution almost choking me to death'

To mark the 31st World Environment Day this year, people around
the world are reminded about damaging planet Earth. The capital
city, Jakarta, has seen a degradation in the quality of its
environment. Air pollution is a serious problem here. The Jakarta
Post asked some ordinary city dwellers about the issue.

Abdul Madjid, 50, is a public minivan driver on the route from
Senen, Central Jakarta, to Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta. He lives
in Senen with his wife and four children:

I have worked as a driver for more than 16 years and I reckon
that the pollution is almost intolerable now.

The pollution is so bad that many times it seems to choke me
to death, particularly when there are a lot of public vehicles in
the bus station, or in severe traffic congestion.

Worse still, the environment has also been damaged due to the
carelessness of residents. Look at the reality in most of the
city's rivers.

The flow of rivers is always slowed down by the trash dumped
by people living nearby.

The government also deserves blame for all the environmental
problems that occur in the city.

The absence of strict regulations and harsh measures have
contributed to the problems.

Pollution problems could be solved by the proper
implementation of vehicle emission tests.

Ronni, 16, is a shoe polish boy who operates in Kampung Melayu
bus station, East Jakarta. He lives in Cipinang, East Jakarta,
with his friends:

I think the smoke from public transportation is so bad that it
seems that there is no more fresh air in the city.

However, street children like me, who always work on the
street, become accustomed to the air. I don't feel bothered by
the situation here any longer. That is the reality, so I can do
nothing to change it.

The environment where I live is also bad. I see many residents
dump their trash every day into the river. Many more people are
becoming so careless.

Consequently, the river cannot flow as it should and, worse
still, it results in uncontrollable flooding.

If we want to improve the environment, maybe those people
should be given a severe warning.

Just imagine how fresh the city would be if there were urban
forests here!

Karta, is a bus crewman on the air-conditioned public bus
between Cimone in Tangerang and Blok M in South Jakarta. He lives
in Tangerang, Banten, with his wife and three children:

I think the pollution in the city is so bad that I can hardly
describe it.

Roads are clogged with thousands of vehicles, most of which
produce heavy exhaust fumes that pollute the atmosphere.

I don't have any idea about how to cope with the situation.
Maybe the government should strictly control the ownership of
vehicles and roadworthiness of public transportation. However, I
realize that it's not that easy.

Besides, the housing environment is also becoming
uncomfortable now, due to poor planning.

Also, residents from upmarket housing complexes usually dump
their household waste in nearby ditches, thus damaging their
environment.

-- Leo Wahyudi S