`Everyone responsible for the environment'

`Everyone responsible for the environment'

The government has made many efforts to deal with the heavy
pollution. For example, in order to curb air pollution, public
transportation vehicles are obliged to take an emission test. The
Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) is also required for any
project to measure its potential to pollute the environment.
Unfortunately, the environmental condition is getting worse. In
conjunction with the 31st World Environment Day this year, The
Jakarta Post asked several city residents about the issue.

Edi, 48, is a taxi driver who used to drive a public bus
plying the Jakarta-Denpasar route for several years. He lives in
Ciputat, southern Jakarta, with his wife and five children:

The emission test for public transportation vehicles is just a
formality. Actually, the test is not really a test.

It's true that we can manipulate the test result. Usually, we
bribe the local police with between Rp 300,000 and Rp 400,000 to
pass the test. It's common practice among public transportation
drivers. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to pass the test, as the
police will find some fault so that we'll fail the test. So, we'd
rather pay a bribe than getting into trouble, and besides, we
need the license.

Well, to some extent, I also realize that by doing such a
thing, we also contribute to the pollution because all public
transportation vehicles will pass, regardless of their true
condition.

Tuchid, 31, is an office boy with a private company supplying
raw materials to bakeries in Kemandoran, West Jakarta. He lives
in Slipi Jaya, West Jakarta:

Air and noise pollution is so bad that living in the city is
no longer comfortable. Worse, industrial wastes have polluted
almost all rivers in the city.

The Amdal is no use because of its poor enforcement. Many
factories here neglect the Amdal. If they implemented it, they
just engineer it in such a way so that they can avoid being
monitored by the public and authorities.

To minimize the overwhelming pollution, the government should
strictly enforce the Amdal and stay away from bribes.

Otherwise, the situation will only favor manufacturers and
corrupt government officials, and so severely harm the general
population.

In addition, Jakarta is always flooded as the water catchment
areas in Bogor are devastated. The rich and high-ranking
officials are responsible for that, too, I believe.

The government needs to impose a stern regulation. Law
enforcers have so far failed to do their jobs properly, which
results in poor public awareness of environmental issues.

The environmental problem is not only the government's
problem, but is also the problem of everyone here.

All mankind worldwide should be responsible for environmental
damages.

Well, let's start by punishing people who litter to raise
public awareness.

Udin, 50, is a pushcart vendor selling asinan, a Sundanese
traditional dish of mixed vegetables. He lives in Bukit Duri,
East Jakarta, while his wife and six children live in Sumedang,
West Java:

The air pollution is so bad that sometimes it bothers me
terribly, particularly when there is a traffic jam.

But after experiencing it for years, I can bear it. At least,
I don't get sick because of it anymore.

I have to be able to cope with the situation, otherwise I
won't have any money to feed my family.

I hate it that many city residents dump their garbage
carelessly. Less people can now enjoy a comfortable environment
because of this bad habit.

I don't have any idea on how we can cope with the situation.
Maybe there should be a strict rule that bans people from
improperly dumping their household trash.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.