Jakarta orders civil servants to work from home to fight soaring pollution | CNN
Jakarta orders civil servants to work from home to fight soaring pollution CNN
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Air Pollution in Jakarta
Introduction
Some civil servants in Indonesia’s capital began working from home Monday under measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion to alleviate horrendous air pollution that has gripped the city and been blamed for President Joko Widodo’s persistent cough.
Air Quality in Jakarta
Air quality in Jakarta, a megacity of 10.5 million, has deteriorated to dangerous levels in recent weeks, with Swiss technology company IQAir ranking it as the world’s most polluted city on August 9.
Government Intervention
Widodo has called for urgent government intervention, chairing an emergency cabinet meeting with ministers on August 14 to discuss worsening air pollution and appealing to workers in the capital to ease traffic congestion by working from home.
Work from Home Policy
Half the civil service will work from home starting Monday, according to an order issued by interim Jakarta Gov. Heru Budi Hartono, and will gradually increase to 75% of the workforce from September until October 21.
Exemptions and Public Services
The policy will apply to government offices but not to hospitals, fire and rescue services or public transport, said Jakarta provincial government spokesperson Sigit Wijatmoko. “Work from home arrangements will not disrupt public services,” Wijatmoko said.
ASEAN Summit and Pressure
Indonesian officials are feeling the pressure ahead of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, which will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center in early September. ASEAN is a regional bloc that brings together 10 Southeast Asian countries, many of which have long suffered high pollution levels in their major cities.
Long-Term Solutions
Air pollution has long plagued the Greater Jakarta area, with factories, coal-fired power plants and traffic congestion all contributing to the smog, according to experts. The government is looking at “concrete steps” to improve Jakarta’s air quality in the long term.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The health costs of Indonesia’s air pollution cannot be underestimated.
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Measures to reduce traffic congestion and alleviate air pollution in Jakarta.
- Goal 13: Climate Action – Addressing air pollution is crucial for climate action.
Conclusion
The Indonesian government is taking steps to address the severe air pollution in Jakarta, including implementing a work from home policy for civil servants. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to improve air quality, promote good health and well-being, and create sustainable cities and communities. By prioritizing climate action and implementing long-term solutions, Jakarta can work towards achieving these SDGs and improving the lives of its residents.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Air quality index (AQI): The article mentions that Jakarta’s air quality has deteriorated to dangerous levels and has been ranked as the world’s most polluted city. The AQI can be used as an indicator to measure progress in reducing air pollution.
- Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution: The article mentions that President Joko Widodo has been suffering from a persistent cough, which is suggested to be related to worsening air pollution in Jakarta. Tracking the number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution can be used as an indicator to measure progress in reducing the health impacts of air pollution.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality index (AQI) |
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Source: cnn.com
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