Exhaust emission standards

I refer to the July 27, 1996 article Cheap sedans threaten van market and your automotive supplement.

You forgot to point out one of the most important aspects of car standards for the new releases, including for those displayed at the Jakarta Auto Expo: the exhaust emission standards. Indeed, we do not know exactly which ministry is in charge for the establishment and enforcement of the standards, but for sure Jakarta raced in the pack of Asian-world capitals to arrive within a span of four years in the top three, if I am not wrong; as we arrived also in the top three for corruption as recently published in various media; and maybe also within the top three for debts of US$100 billion, etc.

I doubt the government would be annoyed if you assist in pointing out that newcomers must abide by the stringent emission laws, and that within five years all existing cars should be fitted with catalytic converters or other devices to make our city clean.

At the same time we will get rid of the lead in the gasoline and the air, so with one blow you can kill four flies. You educate the consumer, clean the air, help the ministers and their staff and prolong the lives of our kind traffic police.

Y. SANTO

Jakarta