The increasing population and development growths in East Jakarta is making the municipality does not have enough green open spaces (RTH). In addition, skyrocketing land price also causes RTH amount declining.

RTH is very important for Jakarta, because it acts as water catchment areas and also as city lungs. Urban forest is one of the aspects that could affect environment quality

“RTH is very important for Jakarta, because it acts as water catchment areas and also as city lungs. Urban forest is one of the aspects that could affect environment quality,” stated Head of East Jakarta Agriculture and Forestry Sub-Department, Agustinus Bambang Wisanggeni, Wednesday (7/9).

Head of Head of East Jakarta Forestry Section, Willien Bonger Purba, added that a city is ideal if its RTH reached 30 percent. While East Jakarta, its RTH is only 9.7 percent.

“At least a city should have RTH 13-14 percent. But, it is very difficult to look for empty land nowadays,” he told.

According to Purba, to increase the amount of RTH, besides by adding urban forests and farming areas, parks in settlements are also very supporting. Therefore, his party will continuously encourage the residents to do greenery by giving them plant seeds for free.

“At this time, there are four urban forests that we proposed. Three of them are located in Pekayon Urban Village, while the other one is in Cilangkap Urban Village. Our hope is that this year East Jakarta to have 11 urban forests,” he uttered.