Clearing the Air: Systemic Solutions for Jakarta's Pollution Crisis (with Ardhi Wardhana)
Why This Matters
In our first episode, we explored the health impacts of air pollution with Dr. Aneez Ahmed. Now, we're zooming out to look at the bigger picture: what solutions exist and what systemic changes are needed to clear Jakarta's skies? Our guest, Ardhi Wardhana, brings valuable insights from his work as an economics researcher at CSIS Indonesia, having worked as a sustainable energy researcher with UNDP and holding a Master's Degree in Public Administration specializing in energy and environment from Columbia University.
Understanding Jakarta's Challenges
According to Ardhi, Jakarta's air pollution crisis stems from multiple interconnected factors:
Infrastructure and Geographic Challenges:
- Located in the middle of 16 coal power plants within 100 kilometers around Jakarta
- Designed as a car-oriented city where people don't walk much
- Heavy reliance on private cars instead of public transportation
- One of the most chronically congested cities in the world
Additional Sources:
- Industrial pollution (e.g., from areas like Pulo Gadung)
- Heavy reliance on fossil fuels for:
- Electricity
- Transportation (including public transport)
- Industry
Policy Challenges:
- Existing regulations don't work effectively
- Fossil fuel subsidies worsen the situation
- Recent research shows every Rupiah spent on fossil fuel subsidies is associated with more than one Rupiah in environmental impact, not counting health effects
Three Key Solutions
Ardhi outlines several immediate approaches needed:
1. Gradual Reduction of Fossil Fuel Subsidies
- Use the revenue from savings to fund:
- Facilities to reduce air pollution
- Air pollution mitigation
- Public transport improvements
- Electric vehicle procurement for buses
2. Carbon Market Development
Even though Indonesia is in a nascent stage, two mechanisms are needed:
Carbon Tax
- Current rate: 30,000 rupiah per ton of CO2 equivalent
- Straightforward pricing on emissions
Cap and Trade System
- Sets emission caps on facilities (e.g., coal power plants)
- If emissions exceed the cap, companies must:
- Buy allowances from companies with unused space
- Offset through other sectors (e.g., mangrove or forestry)
3. Transportation Reform
Ardhi emphasizes the need for both infrastructure and behavioral change:
Infrastructure Improvements
- Better connections between transport modes
- Examples of progress:
- JakLingko implementation
- Connecting bus shelters with MRT/LRT stations
Behavioral Change Strategy
- Create "push factors" like Singapore:
- Make private vehicle ownership more expensive
- Include both permits and vehicle costs
- Ensure public transport is convenient and safe
Role of Sustainable Finance
Ardhi explains how sustainable finance can help bring cleaner technologies to Jakarta:
Areas for Investment:
- Energy Efficiency
- Focus on residential areas
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Power Plant Transition
- Phase out coal power plants
- Example: Current energy transition mechanism under ADB and Indonesian government for
- Cirebon One facility
Young People's Role
Ardhi identifies two key areas where young people can make an impact:
1. Mitigation Level
- Raise awareness about Air Quality Index impacts on:
- Productivity
- Health
- Quality of life
- Promote good lifestyle choices:
- Using public transport
- Reducing private car usage
- Being aware of high carbon footprint products
2. Curative Actions
- Create communities to help people with respiratory diseases
- Support improvement of:
- Mental health
- Financial needs
- Overall wellbeing
- Focus particularly on most affected areas like industrial complexes
Debunking Common Beliefs
During our conversation, Ardhi addressed several common misconceptions:
Looking Ahead
When asked about the one big change he would make tomorrow to improve Jakarta's air quality, Ardhi emphasized two policy priorities:
- Implement a sufficient amount of carbon tax
- Reduce fossil fuel subsidies
Key Takeaways
- Jakarta's air pollution requires multiple interconnected solutions
- Behavioral change must accompany infrastructure improvements
- Both "push" and "pull" factors are needed for transportation reform
- Policy changes like carbon tax and subsidy reduction are crucial first steps
- Young people can contribute through both awareness and community support
Important Note: This blog post is based entirely on our podcast conversation with Ardhi Wardhana and represents the discussion and views shared during that interview. While we strive for accuracy in representing our guest's expertise and insights, this content should not be considered as a primary source for academic research or policy citations. We are podcast hosts sharing educational conversations, not a news organization or academic institution. For the most current and comprehensive information about air pollution policies and solutions, please consult official policy documents, academic publications, or relevant government agencies.