On June 12, 2024, the Environmental Agency (DLH) DKI Jakarta and the RDI team, comprising Dr. Elisabeth (RDI Director), Maya Larasati (WWM Programme Officer), Firdha Laila, Nabila Safitri (WWM Research Officer), Dekka Dhirgantara (SSC Research Officer), Grehasta, and Ghina Aria (Outreach Officer), organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the impact of emerging pollutants in Jakarta's water bodies at Aone Hotel, Jakarta.
The event commenced with an opening speech by Drs. Sarjoko, M.M (Deputy Head of the Environmental Agency). Mr. Sarjoko expressed hope that discussions from this FGD could provide recommendations for Kepgub No. 322 Tahun 2022. Following this, Ir. Erni Pelita Fitratunnisa, ME (Head of the Division for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control), gave an overview presentation of the project. Ms. Fitri highlighted that this program was initiated following the discovery of paracetamol in Jakarta Bay and microplastics in the human body. This study aims to provide DLH with recommendations to develop guidelines for supervision, law enforcement, and strategies for identifying polluters.
Before the FGD session, Dr. Elisabeth presented findings from the current study. The complete results will be disclosed in the second FGD after the completion of the study phase. Experts from the Research Center for Oceanography (BRIN), Prof. Zainal Arifin and Prof. Reza Cordova, responded to the presentation. Prof. Zainal elaborated on the pathways and environmental impact of emerging pollutants, while Prof. Reza emphasized the importance of initiating and developing research on these pollutants.
The FGD session was divided into two groups. The first group discussed micro/nanoplastics, while the second focused on paracetamol and PPCPs. The session was led by Dr. Aqil Azizi (Lecturer from Bakrie University) and Dr. Rosetyati Retno Utami (Researcher from PRLSDA BRIN). The lively discussion saw participants from various institutions sharing their opinions and efforts regarding the emerging pollutants. The first group concluded that quality standards should be established to guide future plans, and law enforcement should be strengthened. The second group emphasized that EP monitoring should also be conducted on air and land, highlighting the importance of institutional collaboration. Academia and research institutions can develop research formulations, preliminary studies, and impact/toxicology determinations, while government institutions will focus on regional standards, monitoring, and supervision. All attendees agreed on the prompt establishment of quality standards and the fostering of institutional collaboration.
