24 August 2024, Djakarta Theater XXI, Jakarta

Prof. Budi Haryanto opened by recalling the late Prof. Frank Fenner’s stark warning that humanity could face near-extinction by 2085 due to climate change, stressing the urgency of decisive action. He linked this to rising climate-related health risks from respiratory diseases to vector-borne illnesses which are already evident in Indonesia.

Responding to a question on strengthening environmental regulations, Prof. Budi emphasized that the transport sector is a major driver of urban air pollution, with about 55% of emissions coming from motor vehicles. He noted that Indonesia still uses substandard fuel such as Pertalite (90 octane), below the global minimum of 92. In collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, his team supports a staged transition to Euro 4 (95 octane) fuel: 10% in 2024, 33% in 2025, 66% in 2026, and full implementation by 2028. This shift is projected to significantly cut respiratory disease cases (ISPA, pneumonia, asthma) and reduce healthcare costs, BPJS claims for 12 air-pollution-related diseases already reached IDR 26 trillion in 2023 across Greater Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.

Full session available on: https://youtu.be/FGRgtjnugxk