In Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, some government employees started working from home as part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion and, in turn, the horrible air pollution that has engulfed the city. The poor air quality is believed to be the cause of President Joko Widodo's chronic cough, as well.

'Work From Home' Order

In recent weeks, the air condition in Jakarta, a megacity of 10.5 million population, has reached deadly levels. Earlier, it was reported that a Swiss technology firm called IQAir named Jakarta the most polluted city in the world.

On Aug. 14, Widodo convened a special meeting of ministers to examine the capital's growing air pollution and to appeal to employees there to reduce traffic congestion by working from home.

"The air quality in the Greater Jakarta Area has been very, very bad. The extended dry season spanning the past three months has intensified pollutant levels ... If deemed necessary, we will advocate for a hybrid work system in offices, a blend of on site and remote work," Widodo stated.

According to an order issued by interim Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono, half of the civil service will work from home beginning Monday, August 21. This percentage will climb to 75% by the end of October 21, as reported by CNN.

Jakarta provincial government spokesperson Sigit Wijatmoko said the restriction would apply to government facilities but not to hospitals, fire and rescue services, or public transportation. He remarked that allowing employees to work from home will not affect public services.

Wijatmoko added that beginning in September, pupils at schools situated near major ASEAN Summit locations would be required to participate in remote learning.

As Indonesian authorities prepare for the 43rd ASEAN Summit, which will be hosted at the Jakarta Convention Center in early September, pressure is mounting. The ASEAN consists of ten nations in Southeast Asia, many of which have long struggled with severe air pollution in their largest cities.

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President's Severe Cough

This week, ministers in the Southeast Asian nation reported that President Widodo had been coughing for weeks, and they speculated that the growing air pollution in Jakarta might be to blame. Historically, the Greater Jakarta region has suffered from severe air pollution due, in large part, to the presence of manufacturing, coal-fired power plants, and heavy traffic.

Tourist Minister Sandiaga Uno told reporters following last week's emergency cabinet meeting that the government was considering concrete steps toward enhancing Jakarta's air quality.

Uno remarked, "If we look at Beijing's success, I am very confident that with the collaboration of local governments and businesses, we can also improve air quality in Jakarta." This was in reference to the Chinese government's success in improving air quality in the nation's capital.

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