Every child has dreams.

Every child is a hope of their family.

Partnerships are needed to create a healthy and clean environment from lead (Pb) contamination for them.

Children passing through an open field where lead measurement using portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) was conducted in Pesarean Village, Tegal Regency, Central Java Province

In a series of implementations of Protecting Every Child’s Potential (PECP) initiated by Pure Earth, UNICEF and the Clarios Foundation, Pure Earth International provided technical support to a team from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, Surabaya (ITS), to carry out a study on lead (Pb) contaminated sites. The activity which was carried out in November 2021 – February 2022 succeeded in assessing 95 locations spread across 25 districts/cities in 11 provinces on the islands of Java and Sumatra. The results of measuring the concentration of lead on the soil surface using portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) showed that 63% of the total 95 locations were contaminated with lead, i.e. the concentration of lead on the soil surface exceeded 300 ppm which is the quality standard as stipulated in the Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 and the Regulation of Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 101 of 2018.

Pure Earth Indonesia Provides Technical Support in Three Locations

After going through a selection and consultation process with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Pure Earth Indonesia Foundation decided to provide technical support for risk mitigation efforts in three locations, namely Tegal Regency, Bogor Regency and Surabaya City. The three locations are known to be contaminated with lead from informal used lead batteries (ULAB) recycling activities and do not comply with environmental standards. In Tegal and Bogor Regencies, it is hoped that further remediation will be carried out at the remaining lead contaminated sites. Technical support from Pure Earth Indonesia is aimed at preparing the necessary documents at the remediation planning phase as stipulated in the Regulation of Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 101 of 2018.

Scoping team measuring lead concentration in Cinangneng Village, Bogor Regency, West Java Province

In Bogor Regency, a team consisting of the Bogor Regency Environmental Agency and Development Planning and Research Agency and Pure Earth Indonesia came together to carry out the scoping of hazardous waste contaminated sites in Cinangka, Cinangneng and Ciomas Villages. The activity which was carried out on February 21 – 25, 2023, was successful in collecting measurement results from 587 points to determine the distribution of lead contaminated sites in the three villages. The results of the scoping activity will become the basis for determining the status of the hazardous wastes contaminated sites which will be followed up with a feasibility study, detailed engineering design and further process until remediation is carried out.

Scoping team having a team briefing before scoping started in Pesarean Village

           

In Tegal Regency, a team consisting of the Tegal Regency Environmental Agency and Pure Earth Indonesia came together to carry out scoping of hazardous waste contaminated sites in Pesarean Village with a focus on non-dumpsite area. The activity which was carried out on March 14 – 16, 2023, managed to collect measurement results from 766 points as material for updating lead contaminated site data at non-dumpsite area which will be followed up with a feasibility study, detailed engineering design and the next process until remediation is carried out at non-dumpsite area.

Prior to going to the field, team members previously received training that combined in-classroom material and field practice with resources from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Pure Earth Indonesia. Meanwhile, during scoping activities, the team communicated and coordinated as well as received assistance from the Village Authorities.

Training on identification of hazardous waste contaminated sites in Bogor City, West Java Province

Tegal Regency and Bogor Regency are two of the many places in Indonesia that have lead contaminated sites due to ULAB recycling activities. There are several studies that have been conducted which show that ULAB recycling, even though they have stopped operating, has left a contaminated environment and the impact has been seen on the Blood Lead Level (BLL) or lead concentration in blood, of the community living around the contaminated site. Children who are the most vulnerable group have access to contaminated land and are at risk of exposure.

As for the City of Surabaya, Pure Earth Indonesia have initiated discussions with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry as well as with the Environmental Agency of Surabaya City, to carry out a study on the supply flow of ULAB and an assessment of the mechanism and collection facilities for ULAB that currently exist. It is hoped that from these two activities, recommendations will be generated to achieve an environmentally sound management of ULAB recycling in Surabaya City.

Partnership to Solve Pollution, Save Lives, and Protect the Planet

Handling of lead contaminated sites is not easy and cheap. To be able to carry out a thorough handling, multi-sectoral strategic steps are needed. The partnership of various stakeholders is also required, to create a healthy and clean environment from lead (Pb) contamination for children to be able to reach their full potential.

Celebrating Earth Day 2023

Earth Day is celebrated around the world every year on April 22, but April is also celebrated as Earth Month. Pure Earth highlights the theme of this year “Invest in Our Planet”, through a series of actions. Starting from a collaborative social media message across country offices, Earth Day Big Give campaign during earth day week, and Earth Day Event.

Watch the video for a closer look of our activities in Tegal Regency to celebrate Earth Day. Make sure to also follow our Instagram @pureearthindonesia for recent updates!