South Kalimantan's IKLH improving

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - South Kalimantan's Environmental Quality Index (IKLH) is increasing from 68.43 in 2020 to 70.90 in 2021, said the environment official. 

"Alhamdulillah, our IKLH has increased from 68.43 in 2020 to 70.90 in 2021," said Head of South Kalimantan Environment Agency Hanifah Dwi Nirwana after attending a meeting with Special Committee III of DPRD to discuss the 2021-2026 Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMDI) in Banjarmasin, Monday (Dec 27, 2021).

Four indicators that form the basis of the current IKLH assessment in Indonesia include aspects of air, river water, forest cover, and sea water.

"The increase in IKLH is due to the cooperation of all of us, both among the provincial working unit (SKPD) as well as with the district/city government and all element of society," she continued.

She said that the IKLH assessment was not only quantitative, such as the air feel fresh and cool, but was measured on a qualitative basis through satellite monitoring.

For example tree stands are good enough. From satellite monitoring the area that is brown (not tree) is now much reduced due to the even canopy/leaf cover.

"This is thanks to the 'Green Revolution' since 2017 which was launched by Governor of South Kalimantan H Sahbirin Noor," she pointed out.

Regarding environmental improvement in the South Kalimantan's RPJMD 2021-2026, she expounded, there are several priorities, including "Sungai Martapura Bungas" (the Beautful Martapura River) program. 

A member of the Special committee and Commission III DPRD which is in charge of the environment, Jihan Hanifha SH, appreciated the increase in the IKLH of the province which consists of 13 districts and cities.

She hoped that the IKLH in the implentation of 2021-2026 RPJMD will increase again in the future.

"For this, we need cross-sectoral collaboration, both the provincial and district/city levels, such as realizing the Beautiful Martapura River and and Merdeka Sampah (Free from Garbage)," said Jihan.