Car ownership to be linked to emission tests

JAKARTA (JP): Requests for car ownership documents may be rejected if vehicles fail emission tests, an official said yesterday.

Kosasih Wirahadikusumah, an executive with the city's environment bureau, said the policy may follow a year-long trial period to begin in September.

In September, when the 1992 Traffic and Land Transport Law is to become effective, the city will announce all cars must undergo emission tests, Kosasih said.

"After the trial period, all car owners may be required to pass emission tests before permits for their cars can be extended," he said.

The law rules all vehicles must be suitable for road use.

Kosasih was revealing results of last week's spot checks on 5,400 vehicles. The results saw an improvement on last year's figures, he said. Held on Jan. 6 to Jan. 9 at 20 locations, the tests were part of a municipality program to reduce air pollution.

The bureau head, Aboejoewono, had earlier said public opinion might be taken into account before ruling whether extension of vehicle ownership documents was related to emission tests.

A questionnaire distributed to 25,000 motorists during the spot checks included this question. The state-owned company Sucofindo will process the questionnaires after March 1.

Kosasih said of 5,400 tested vehicles last week, 44 percent passed the tests, an 11 percent increase compared to the first phase of the tests last June.

Only 33 percent of over 1,000 cars passed last year's tests.

"The results are a good improvement for a seven-month period," Kosasih said.

Of the tested cars, 3,077 used gasoline. The bureau found 59 percent of these vehicles and 51 percent of the diesel fueled cars exceeded the tolerable emission level.

Next month, the third phase of the emission tests will be conducted and will target another 5,000 cars.

Kosasih said the next round will include spot checks on industrial and office areas, such as the industrial area of Pulogadung in East Jakarta.

Eventually only vehicles which pass emission tests will be allowed in these areas, he said.

Kosasih said the trial period on emission tests would give people a chance to get emission tests in garages appointed by the city.

He added the tests would encourage the private sector to reduce air pollution here, as they would invest in garages for emission tests.

Only public transportation vehicles are currently required to undergo emission tests. (02/ste)