President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday called on the public to use bicycles more often to reduce air pollution.
"Cycling has a lot of benefits. We can preserve the environment as cycling can reduce the rate of carbon monoxide," he said after taking a 15-minute bicycle ride from the National Monument (Monas) square to Merdeka Palace.
"Cycling is not only good for the environment, but also good for human health.
"Cycling in a group also produces good feelings and is good for socializing with other people."
Yudhoyono was accompanied by First Lady Kristiani Herawati and members of various cycling groups, mainly the Bike to Work group.
"We can also save fuel when riding bicycles and it is a far cheaper transportation means," he said.
The president also asked for such rides to be held more often and on longer routes.
"Such events should also be done much earlier in the day to prevent traffic congestion," he said.
State Secretary Hatta Radjasa, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal, State Minister of the Environment Rachmat Witoelar, State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Adhyaksa Dault and Central Jakarta Mayor Sylviana Murni also took part in the ride.
Jakarta is considered one of the most polluted cities in the world. The Jakarta Regional Environment Management Agency reported that there were only 53 days in which Jakarta had clean air in 2004.
However, based on the pollution standard index, the situation in 2004 was better than in 2003. (****)
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