Antara, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo asked the Jakarta provincial government to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles or EV in a bid to reduce air pollution in the capital city.

Jakarta Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono confirmed the President's mandate after the limited meeting on pollution at the Jakarta Presidential Palace, on Monday, August 28, 2023.

"The president led the meeting on pollution. One of the tasks assigned to us is to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, especially in Transjakarta," Heru said as quoted from Antara today, August 29.

"We were asked to increase [more electric buses] in 2024, but we are currently calculating the capacity of the APBD (Regional Budget). I have also asked other local governments, such as Bogor, Bekasi, and Depok to participate in the purchase of electric vehicles," he added.

Heru said the city administration would also ask managers of high-rise buildings to spray water from the top of the buildings simultaneously to flush out pollutants.

"I'd focus on city buildings, the city hall, and mayors' offices while disseminating [the program to] private, central government, and state-owned buildings. That is the task that the president has given us," he added.

In addition to switching to electric vehicles and spraying water on the streets, Jokowi also encouraged all parties in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi to plant trees. According to Heru, 25,567 trees with a height of 2-3 meters have been planted in the capital since July 2023.

Heru also appealed to people, especially children, to wear masks during outdoor activities to prevent exposure to air pollution. "In light of the Health Minister's statement that there is a 24-31 percent increase in ISPA (acute respiratory infection) especially among toddlers, we urge children to wear masks when leaving home."

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1765450/jokowi-urges-jakarta-to-expedite-ev-transition-to-curb-air-pollutio