Clean Air Catalyst Jakarta leads a Learning Circles Workshop
By Kurnia Dwi Agustina, December 7, 2023
Air pollution disproportionately impacts Jakarta, ranked among the world's top ten most polluted cities, with fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) exceeding safe limits sixfold. The city's economic growth has intensified pollution, particularly affecting low-income neighborhoods and outdoor workers. Through the Clean Air Catalyst (Catalyst), WRI Indonesia collaborates with local partners to address pollution sources, notably transportation. The Catalyst led a Learning Circle workshop, combining Women Empowerment Workshops and Gender Equality Training to engage diverse stakeholders, fostering understanding and advocacy. Led by the gender team, this inclusive approach involved more than 30 representatives, aiming to create a shared action agenda for a cleaner and more equitable Jakarta.
The first two days of the event took place at Liberta Hub Blok M Hotel, strategically chosen for its proximity to Blok M bus terminal and ASEAN MRT stations. On the third day, participants engaged in field visits to four kampung areas, split into two groups visiting two locations each, followed by a concluding plenary session back at Liberta Hub Blok M. The Catalyst Jakarta team prioritized a harassment-free environment, with the GESI and Communications teams creating a decorum document and an anonymous reporting form before the event, aiming to implement similar policies for future gatherings.
Overview of the event:
Day 1, September 1st 2023
The event commenced with a statement from Cynthia Maharani, GESI Program Lead, outlining the commitment to safe space and introducing the day's agenda, which included a deep dive into the multifaceted impact of air pollution. The science team, led by Azka Ghaida of WRI Indonesia, delivered an insightful presentation on air pollution, covering its significance, methods of gauging air quality, pollution sources, and the importance of monitoring.
Subsequently, the health team, represented by Ginanjar Syuhada from Vital Strategies, explored the health repercussions of air pollution, creating a platform for participants to share personal experiences. The day concluded with an interactive evaluation session and group discussions on disseminating air pollution information.
Day 2, September 2nd 2023
Day two featured a captivating session by Kartika Pratiwi from WITNESS, emphasizing the power of visual storytelling in environmental justice and human rights advocacy. Anindya Restuviani and Matthew Girsang from Jakarta Feminist hosted an engaging session exploring gender differences and encouraging participants to connect gender-related issues to environmental problems.
The day concluded with a thought-provoking session by Dian Tri Irawaty from Rujak Center for Urban Studies (RCUS) and Minawati from Jaringan Rakyat Miskin Kota (JRMK), delving into stigmas surrounding urban poverty and kampungs, challenging participants' perceptions.
Day 3, September 3rd 2023
The third day involved site visits to four different kampungs, with participants split into two groups tasked with creating audio-visual reports. Each group explored two kampung locations, focusing on issues related to eviction, revitalization, and unresolved land management problems. The kampungs visited were Kunir Vertical Housing, Kampung Balokan, Kampung Bayam, and Kampung Gang Lengkong.
The visits provided insights into the challenges faced by these communities, such as traffic congestion, noise pollution, and exposure to air pollution.
