Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Ridwan Kamil has unveiled a comprehensive five-year strategy aimed at reducing the city’s air pollution. Speaking at Ganara Art Space in FX Sudirman, Central Jakarta, Kamil emphasized the need for a multidimensional approach to tackle the city’s environmental challenges.

"In five years, air pollution in Jakarta should be reduced," Kamil asserted, outlining his vision for a cleaner and healthier city.

The first component of Kamil's plan focuses on reducing communal movement, which he identifies as a significant source of pollution. By curbing unnecessary travel and promoting localized activities, Kamil hopes to diminish pollution levels across Jakarta. He and his running mate, Suswono, propose a strategy to enhance residential permits in central Jakarta while increasing office permits in non-central areas. This approach aims to encourage residents to shop closer to home, thereby reducing the need for travel and its associated emissions.

A key element of Kamil's environmental agenda is the expansion of green spaces. He proposes a significant increase in tree planting, with the goal of tripling the number of trees in Jakarta within the first years of his administration. “Not just in the streets, but even on building rooftops,” Kamil added. He cited international policies that mandate the inclusion of greenery on rooftops as a model for Jakarta's future.

Additionally, Kamil plans to address air pollution by advocating for the reduction of coal energy use. Although the authority over coal-fired power plants lies with the central government, Kamil pledged to use his gubernatorial platform to lobby for the conversion of these plants to cleaner energy sources.

The candidate also emphasized the importance of expanding the use of electric vehicles. "A combination of all (efforts), plus conversion to electric cars and electric vehicles. It's not easy, but we will do it," Kamil said, highlighting his commitment to a multifaceted approach to environmental stewardship.

Ridwan Kamil’s ambitious plan promises a comprehensive and proactive response to Jakarta’s air pollution challenges, aiming for significant improvements within a five-year timeframe.