While Indonesia's climate change delegation gather at the UN conference in Bali, many organizations in Jakarta are holding environmental campaigns, including tree seedling give-aways and planting activities. But while the world is watching the creation of a roadmap for a new international agreement on environment protection, many people continue to disregard important climate change management messages. Much of the city's population continue to dispose of their garbage into river systems, or exploit the city's groundwater, or build commercial premises on water catchment areas. So The Jakarta Post hit the streets this week to find out how to involve more people in environmental and climate change management practices.
Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo:
Everyone must realize that everything they do may harm the environment.
The impact of climate change is evident ... in floods.
When (the public) litter and thus clog the rivers, they are being harmful to the environment. In consequence, they will be in danger of floods.
The residents must stop throwing garbage into the rivers.
The Jakarta administration itself has initiated environmentally friendly programs by imposing the emission test for vehicles and using compressed natural gas for busway buses.
Wardah Hafidz, urban poor activist:
Global warming has become a problem (and it's) right under our nose. So, ecological awareness must reach ... the lowest level of the society, the poor.
We currently hold an event that also aims to familiarize (the) urban poor with ... global problems and how to deal with (them) (called) Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.
Lia, 34, an employee of a private company:
I think, most people are not aware of preserving the environment (on) a daily basis, let alone knowing about ... the climate change in Bali.
When my father washes his car, he always lets the water continuously run from the tap.
It's true that we do not have to pay for the water because we use ground water, but still, that is not right.
In addition to that, my father also likes to throw trash anywhere he pleases, especially while driving.
The minute I forbid him, he will try to follow my advice, for once. But then he will repeat his violations in other times.
My older sister, a graduate of Biology from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) who is now working as a researcher in a government office, is no different.
One time, when I (prompted a) family discussion on how the industry contributes a great deal of damage to our environment, the two of them simply said, "Well, the industry is important for our country's development."
That's it. They (did not) ... touch ... on the subject I brought up.
Meanwhile, I also regret the waste management at my campus, the Bandung Institute of Technology.
Since two years ago, around its campus, it has provided three sets of garbage bins designated for organic, paper and plastic garbage.
But neither the students nor the garbage pickers throw trash into the right designated bin.
What bothers me most is the fact that when the trash was picked from the three-set-bins, they were just mixed into one dump site.
So, what's the point of distinguishing the bins?
It is also difficult for me to find garbage bins in every corner of this city. The lack of garbage bins at public places, has forced me to turn my pocket and my bag as temporary trash bins.
It's ok if the trash is dry. But it's not ok if the trash is wet.
So, I end up throwing garbage anywhere, with a guilty feeling haunting me.
Elly Kristanti, 66, an employee of a private company:
I have not heard about the conference.
However, I ... heard about the global warming issue (after) I watched The Oprah Winfrey Show some time ago.
And I think global warming has started to happen in Jakarta. Just look at the extreme weather condition nowadays.
When it rains, floods are everywhere, when it's a dry day, it is hot as hell.
All of that happens due to zero awareness to preserve the environment from both the citizens and also the industrial players.
Environment awareness is not something formed in a snap. It needs to be nurtured (from) as early as ... kindergarten level and in the family.
My only hope ... the conference ... can make the entire global citizens simultaneously aware of the seriousness of this global warming condition and act upon a shared-commitment to preserve the environment in every corner of this globe.
Am I hoping too much?
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