Compaign on emission tests vital to make it a success

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Environmentalists stressed on Friday the importance of a sustained public awareness campaign on low emissions to prevent corruption before the city administration makes emission checks on private cars mandatory.

The plan for compulsory emission checks is stipulated in Gubernatorial Decree No. 95/2000. An emission check will be needed in order to extend a private car's registration (STNK). The plan, however, has been delayed several times as neither the public nor the administration are ready for its implementation.

Interviewed separately, the environmentalists told The Jakarta Post that the plan should take a step-by-step, but systematic, approach to ensure its success.

"We must promote the importance of keeping our car emissions low for our own benefit first before enforcing the new regulation," head of the air pollution control division at the City Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD), Yunani Kartawirya said.

Currently, only public transportation vehicles have to undergo regular emission tests. Implementation has, however, been marred by corruption, leaving city transportation in poor condition both as regards physical appearance and emission levels.

"Once the public has enough knowledge about the importance of low emissions, they will do their best to keep them low, closing off the loopholes that allow corruption to flourish," said Yunani.

Under the new regulation, motorists can have their cars checked at service stations that have been appointed by the city administration. The stations will then issue a special certificate stating that the car has met the required standard.

Restiti of Swisscontact said that there were many loopholes that could lead to corruption in such emission inspections, but added it would be better to do something than nothing at all.

"It may take a long time to eradicate corruption but we have to do something to get cleaner air.

"But, a sustained campaign will lead the owners to realize that they can make a difference in ensuring clean air by keeping their car emissions low.

"Once they understand this, they will be immune to corruption," she said.

Meanwhile, coordinator of the Joint Committee on the Phasing Out of Leaded Fuel (KPBB), Achmad Syarifuddin stressed the need for city agencies to improve their performances.

"Agencies like the City Transport Agency and the BPLHD must improve their accountabilities in controlling and monitoring the workshops," he said.

Starting next Wednesday, when the trial implementation of the new regulation is launched, motorists will be able to have the emissions of their cars checked at a number of appointed service stations. The trial program will last for a year. An evaluation will be carried before the city administration decides when all private car owners will be required to take the test.

The city's emission standard is 4.5 percent for CO (carbon monoxide) and 1,200 ppm (parts per million) for HC (hydrocarbon) emitted by vehicles using gasoline.

Diesel-powered vehicles must have an opacity level of 50 percent for exhaust fumes.

Low emission levels can be achieved through routine maintenance. It is estimated this could save 65 million liters of fuel each year making up five percent of annual fuel consumption.