VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Jakarta provincial government is encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the capital city so that the worsening air pollution recorded of late can be reduced.

"(The provincial government) accelerated the use of electric motorcycles, electric cars, and standard (electric) power," acting governor of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, said while visiting East Kuningan village, South Jakarta, on Monday.

Jakarta city, with a population of 11 million people, needs to switch to electric vehicles, to improve air quality.

"Yes, all parties must participate (in supporting the use of electric vehicles)," Hartono said.

Earlier, he informed that vehicle emission tests are part of the regional government's efforts to control air pollution in the capital city.

"On the other hand, reducing emissions by testing vehicle emission (output) and switching to alternative vehicle fuels is also being carried out," he added.

His side has also encouraged city bus service company TransJakarta to electrify its fleet.

"(Efforts to improve air quality) must be long-term, and the Jakarta Environmental Office always holds the emission test program every year, and everyone must work together to reduce emissions," he said.

Based on IQAir data recorded as of 12 p.n. local time on Monday (June 12, 2023), Jakarta ranked second as the city with the worst air quality in the world, with a US AQI of 156, below Hanoi, Vietnam with a US AQI of 157.

Hartono also asked TransJakarta to increase the number of buses to serve more passengers and reduce traffic congestion in the province.

Meanwhile, TransJakarta is planning to add 190 electric buses to its fleet in 2023 to support efforts to improve Jakarta’s air quality.

"This is in line with the TransJakarta company's budget work plan," head of the Jakarta Transportation Office, Syafrin Liputo, said.

With the addition of 190 electric buses in 2023, TransJakarta will have a total of 220 electric buses, he informed. (antaranews)