Ministry of Environment Deems EVs Effective in Reducing Pollution

KatadataOTO – The Ministry of Environment (KLH)/Environmental Control Agency will continue to encourage the use of electric vehicles for public mobility. This is because EVs are one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution, especially in urban areas.

This is because 35 percent of air pollution in urban areas, especially Jakarta, comes from fossil-fueled motor vehicles.

"The transformation can be carried out through the electrification of public transportation, thereby reducing exhaust emissions, especially in Jakarta," said Minister of Environment Hanif.

This method is considered more feasible than reducing public mobility.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“If a complete transition cannot be made in the near future, then an alternative effort that can be made is to reduce public mobility,” he added.

However, efforts to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles must be strengthened by the development of the battery industry ecosystem. This is what is still a challenge and a national strategic sector.

Nevertheless, the government has provided various incentives for the switch from conventional to electric vehicles. Support for this industry is key to accelerating transportation electrification in the country.

Indonesia itself has a wealth of strategic minerals such as carbon graphite, nickel, manganese, cobalt, lithium, aluminum, copper, and various other commodities. All of them are managed by State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) such as the Indonesian Mining Industry Holding BUMN, namely Mind ID.

Not only that, the government also plans to re-promote the emission test regulations that were previously implemented in Jakarta. Unfortunately, the policy has been delayed for various reasons.

Photo : PT TAM

Its implementation will be carried out in stages, starting with heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks. If caught violating, the perpetrator can be subject to sanctions of up to IDR 50 million.

The policy is stated in the DKI Jakarta Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 2 of 2005 concerning Air Pollution Control. The magnitude of these sanctions is expected to make the public more cautious in traffic.

Although the fine is quite large, violations of this rule are categorized as minor criminal offenses.