One of the many problems that arise from reckless treatments toward our environment is air pollution. The exhaust from vehicles containing harmful substances, such as lead, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide, contaminate the air. These substances aren’t only hazardous towards humans but also towards the environment. These gasses exacerbates greenhouse effect and speed up the increase of earth’s temperature. Looking at the way things are going, things are not very promising. In Jakarta alone, according to Jakarta Police traffic data, there are more than 20 million vehicles roaming the road. This result to a ten times increase of lead- levels since 2008, according to Jakarta Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) in 2013.

In response to the growing challenges posed by unclean air, Sahabat Alam, in accordance to DKI Jakarta Regulation no. 2/2005 Chapter 27, celebrates Car Free day at Kelapa Gading Permai, Jakarta Utara which are centered between Jalan Boulevard Artha Gading up to Jalan Kelapa Nias Raya. The event is officially opened by Mr. H. Bambang Sugiyono, Mayor of North Jakarta and attended by government officials including Ms. Penny Susanti, Head of Jakarta Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) DKI Jakarta.

Through this activity, hopefully society would be more confident and comfortable in refraining from travelling with private vehicles. Furthermore, as an established monthly event according to the city regulation, it is hoped that the problem of air pollution in Jakarta could be alleviated.