Air Pollution Prevention: BSKDN Emphasises Data-Driven Control and Regional Collaboration
The Head of the Strategic Policy Agency for Domestic Affairs (BSKDN) at the Ministry of Domestic Affairs, Yusharto Huntoyungo, has emphasised the importance of air pollution control carried out in a measured manner, based on data, and supported by collaboration between regions.
Yusharto recalled the experience of the air pollution crisis that occurred in 2023, when the concentration of fine particles measuring 2.5 microns (PM2.5) increased significantly and had serious impacts on public health.
“Our activities this time are responsive in nature to address situations that may occur again after entering the dry season. If not properly controlled, we could face another air pollution crisis like the one in 2023, when the concentration of very small particles increased and led to increased respiratory disease prevalence and the potential for acid rain,” Yusharto said during the Current Discussion Forum themed “Strategic Policy Plan and Inter-Regional Coordination in Controlling Air Pollution Crisis: Case Study of the Jakarta Metropolitan Area Air Pollution Crisis 2023” in Jakarta on 13 March.
He explained that various studies show that concentrations of pollutants such as PM10 in several regions remain above the established quality standards. This condition not only impacts public health, but also creates significant economic consequences, particularly in the form of increased healthcare costs and government budget burdens in providing basic services.
“These facts demonstrate that the air quality problem is not merely an environmental issue but is closely linked to public health aspects, economic productivity, and the quality of life of urban communities,” he said.
According to Yusharto, one of the main challenges in controlling air pollution is its cross-boundary nature. Emission sources can come from various sectors such as transportation, power generation, industry, and domestic activities. Additionally, meteorological factors also influence the spread of pollutants across various administrative regions.
For this reason, Yusharto believes that air pollution control efforts require a comprehensive and coordinated approach between regions. In this context, BSKDN sees the importance of presenting a discussion forum that can serve as a space for evidence-based policy dialogue, as well as an initial vehicle for coordination in formulating strategies to control the air pollution crisis in agglomeration areas.
“In line with the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, addressing the air pollution crisis needs to be carried out in a more measured, systematic, and data-based manner, including through strengthening cross-sector and cross-regional coordination,” he stated.