Sultan cycles to promote clean air

YOGYAKARTA: In the past few months, Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, who is also Yogyakarta governor, has been spotted cycling to his office every Friday.

The sultan was gently promoting a healthy lifestyle among his people while raising their awareness on environmental pollution.

"I ride a bicycle to the office every Friday because I want to reduce the pollution level in the city. Just imagine how clean our air would be if everyone did the same," he said.

His route spans three kilometers from the Yogyakarta Palace, his official residence, to his gubernatorial office one way.

The provincial government launched its Langit Biru, or Blue Sky, program at the end of last year in an effort to reduce pollution and develop a clean environment in the province.

Although cycling is considered to be effective in reducing air pollution, Sultan said the administration would never make it mandatory for provincial civil servants. They are merely encouraged to follow the sultan's example.

"A good leader should set an example, not issue orders according to their wishes. That's why I'll never order civil servants to ride bicycles to reduce pollution. I only hope they will eventually realize the importance of the environment," he said. -- JP