Indonesian President links young people's lung cancer to asbestos and metal roofs

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has raised concerns that a significant number of young Indonesians are contracting lung cancer, a condition he suspects is linked to exposure to chemicals from asbestos and galvanized iron roofing materials. He noted that many young individuals are developing lung cancer despite not smoking, suggesting environmental factors are at play.

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So many will have lung disease without us realizing it. Young people are already getting lung cancer, even though they don't smoke. Where does it come from? From rust, from asbestos, from various chemicals.

"So many will have lung disease without us realizing it. Young people are already getting lung cancer, even though they don't smoke. Where does it come from? From rust, from asbestos, from various chemicals," Prabowo stated at Semarang Tawang Station in Central Java on Thursday.

In response, Prabowo called for greater environmental protection across the country and advocated for replacing existing metal roofs, which are prone to rusting and detrimental to health, with more traditional and healthier alternatives. He suggested a return to materials like 'ijuk' (arenga fiber) or traditional Indonesian roof tiles, emphasizing that roof tile production is not a new technology for the Indonesian people.

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If necessary, we should go back to using ijuk, go back to using rumbai. If not, we have to find [alternatives]. Our people have been making roof tiles for a long time. Roof tiles are not a new technology; our people have used roof tiles since the past.

Furthermore, Prabowo announced a government target to resolve Indonesia's pervasive waste problem within one year. This initiative includes ensuring all rivers and waterways are clean and prohibiting arbitrary tree felling, with plans to plant hundreds of millions of new trees to preserve the environment.

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All rivers must be clean, all streams must be clean. Nature must be protected, trees must not be cut arbitrarily. If necessary, we must plant hundreds of millions of new trees.