President Jokowi Pushes for EV Use to Reduce Jakarta Pollution

President Jokowi answers questions from reporters after attending ‘Batik Kemerdekaan’ event at the entry gate of the MRT’s Bundaran HI Station, Jakarta, Thursday (1/8). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)

In a bid to reduce air pollution in Jakarta, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called on the public to use electric vehicles (EV).

“We have to start to use mass transportation, such as buses. I will also call on DKI Jakarta Governor to provide electric buses and taxis,” President Jokowi said after attending ‘Batik Kemerdekaan’ event at the entry gate of the MRT’s Bundaran HI Station, Jakarta, Thursday (1/8).

According to the President, he entrusted the (Jakarta) Governor regarding the scheme of mass transportation to be applied, adding that if the city used an electronic road pricing (ERP) system, it would encourage the public to use mass transportation.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also said that he would sign a Presidential Regulation on Electric Vehicles (EV) once the draft is ready.

“I will sign the regulation as soon as (the draft) it is completed,” he said.

The President also expressed hope that the issuance of the regulation will support the development of EV in Indonesia.

“The Government can ensure adequate infrastructure to support electric vehicles,” the President said, adding that many countries are aiming to start promoting the use of electric mobility and non-fossil fuels.

For the record, air quality monitoring software company AirVisual Data reveals that Jakarta ranked third as the most polluted city in the world after Beijing and Dhaka among 70 cities measured across the globe. (FID / RAH / ES)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Edited by: Muhardi/M. Ersan Pamungkas