26 September 2024 – Jakarta, Indonesia

In the first week of September 2024, Indonesia hosted a series of key air quality events showcasing collaborative solutions and regional action. These included the workshop “Advancing Science-Based Local Actions to Combat Air Pollution in Greater Jakarta” (Sept 2-3) by Viriya ENB and Clean Air Asia, the “Southeast Asia Climate Philanthropy Forum” (Sept 4) organized by hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies in collaboration with Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment (CMMI), and the “Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF)” (Sept 5-6), led by the CMMI.

 .

Advancing Science-Based Local Actions to Combat Air Pollution in Greater Jakarta

The workshop Advancing Science-Based Local Actions to Combat Air Pollution in Greater Jakarta discussed the city’s worsening air quality and actions to address this issue. Opening remarks by Dr. Suzanty Sitorus (Viriya ENB), Mrs. Velly Asvaliantina (CMMI), and Ms. Catherine Witherspoon (ClimateWorks) emphasized the importance of science in tackling pollution. Information on air pollution sources shared by CMMI revealed that vehicles contribute 42%-57% of pollutants during the dry season and 32%-41% during the rainy season, with coal-fired plants, construction activities, and open waste burning also contributing significantly. Discussions included efforts to reduce pollution, such as shifting to renewable energy, and challenges such as upgrading fuel quality to Euro4 standards were also highlighted. Experts from Thailand (Thailand Pollution Control Department – PCD), China (Beijing Transport Institute, Center for Science and Environment – CSE) and Indonesia (Jakarta Transportation Management Body – Badan Pengelola Transportasi Jabodetabek/BPJT –  and Institute for Transportation and Development Policy – ITDP) called for stricter emission standards, better fuel quality, and the promotion of electric vehicles.

On the second day, experts from EANET, Peking University, China, the National Research and Innovation Agency (Badan Riset dan Inovasi/ BRIN), the Institute for Global Environment Strategies (IGES), the Clean Air Fund (CAF), and the Imperial College of London, stressed the need for collaboration between scientists and policymakers for tailored solutions, as pollutant compositions vary between cities. Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy implementation to create effective and locally appropriate air quality strategies. He highlighted the role of EANET in scientific cooperation among countries in East Asia including Indonesia, and its new mandate to work on air pollution.

.

.

Southeast Asia Climate Philanthropy Forum

On September 4, the Southeast Asia Climate Philanthropy Forum convened, marking a milestone as the first forum of its kind in the region. The event provided an inclusive platform to accelerate people-centered climate solutions. A key breakout session focused on air pollution and inclusivity, featuring panelists from C40 Cities, UNICEF Indonesia, DILANS (The Movement of Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly in Indonesia), and PT Transportasi Jakarta (the city’s public transport operator).

The session stressed the need to involve vulnerable and marginalized communities in efforts to tackle air pollution and ensure access to clean air. According to PT Transportasi Jakarta, although public transportation covers 98% of Jakarta, only 13 bus-stops currently offer accessibility for disabled individuals.

 .

Indonesia International Sustainability Forum

The Indonesia International Sustainability Forum, held on September 5-6, was inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who reiterated the nation’s commitment to addressing climate change, energy transition, and sustainability goals. Indonesia reaffirmed its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions in the face of the growing climate crisis.

During Plenary 5, “Pioneering Solutions for Urban Air Pollution,” speakers, including Ms. Dechen Tsering, UNEP’s Executive Director for the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific; Mr. Rui Luo, Director of Global Energy Transition at Bloomberg Philanthropies; Ms. Liang Wenyue, Director General of Beijing’s Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau; and Mr. Iyad Kheirbek, Director of Air Quality at C40, shared insights into addressing urban air pollution in some of the most polluted cities in Asia Pacific. The session highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to tackle the transboundary nature of air pollution. UNEP, which hosts the EANET Secretariat, also emphasized the role of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)’s Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP) in fostering greater regional collaboration.

.

These events underscored the urgent need for collaborative science-based solutions to combat air pollution across Southeast Asia, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration —from science to policy — and ensuring inclusivity in finding sustainable solutions.

.

Find out more about the EANET and its air quality monitoring stations in Indonesia.

.

Photo credits: cover photo: the fifth plenary discussion at the Indonesian International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Senayan, Jakarta, on 5/9/2024. ©ANTARA FOTO/Novrian Arbi/Spt. All other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.

.