Ministry to appeal pollution verdict

Cause for concern: Jakarta is South-East Asia’s most polluted city, according to a 2020 report by air quality monitor IQAir. — Reuters

The environment ministry said it would appeal a Jakarta court ruling that found President Joko Widodo, several ministries and top local officials guilty of environmental negligence over chronic air pollution.

Ruling on a citizen lawsuit on Thursday, judges found senior officials were culpable in failing to prevent, monitor and control unhealthy pollution levels in and around the capital.