Deputy Speaker of the Jakarta DPRD, Rany Mauliani, has urged the Jakarta Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Agency, or Dinas PPKUKM, and relevant agencies to tighten monitoring of mask prices and supplies. The call comes amid the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau and complaints about rising mask prices. Rany warned that emergency conditions must not be exploited by certain parties to make excessive profits. She urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to take firm action if hoarding or unfair price manipulation is discovered.
Rany also called for adequate supplies of masks capable of protecting residents from exposure to volcanic ash particles. She stressed that people who need masks should not face difficulties obtaining them because of limited stocks or unreasonable prices. Beyond market supervision, she urged the Jakarta Government to strengthen health facilities in anticipation of respiratory problems and other health complaints linked to ash exposure. This includes ensuring sufficient medical personnel, medicines, treatment space, and access to responsive services around the clock.
For the public, Rany encouraged residents to remain calm while following official government information and exercising greater caution. She advised people to wear masks when going outdoors, reduce nonessential outdoor activities, and seek medical assistance if health problems develop. She also praised the Jakarta Government for its rapid response, including distance learning policies, water mist operations, mask advisories, and restrictions on outdoor activities. According to Rany, these preventive measures are important to protect public health while volcanic ash continues to affect air conditions.
Rany emphasized that Jakarta’s response should remain consistent and adapt to developments on the ground until conditions are declared safe. The detection of volcanic ash reaching Jakarta, she said, makes a precautionary approach particularly important, while distance learning should allow children to continue their education without unnecessary exposure to poor air quality. She called for continued coordination among the Jakarta Government, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Health Agency, Education Agency, Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), and other relevant institutions. The DPRD expects this coordination to produce measurable preparedness rather than a response limited to the immediate emergency.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
