`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.