Government delays unleaded gasoline requirement

JAKARTA (JP): State Ministry of Environment Sonny Keraf disclosed on Monday that the government's plan to remove leaded gasoline from the capital by Jan. 1, 2001 has been moved back to 2003.

The reason of the delay, Sonny maintained, is due to the very high number of vehicles using leaded fuel in Greater Jakarta.

"There are so many vehicles that come and go in the city everyday, it's hard to control them," he told reporters.

It is easier, he added, if the plan is implemented on Bali island for example where the vehicle density is not so high.

"Therefore, we delayed it to 2003," he said.

The government hinted in March that the capital would be free of leaded gasoline by Jan. 1, 2001 and nationwide by 2003.

The decision was stipulated in the 1999 decree of the Minister of Mines and Energy No. 1585, which states there will be no lead in premium and high octane premix in 2003.

Lead is added to fuel to increase its octane level, boosting engine performance. However, leaded fuel causes environmental and health problems. It is estimated that every year health costs amount to Rp 2 trillion (US$ 266 million) due to leaded gasoline poisoning.

Separately on Monday, chief executive of the Committee for Leaded Fuel Eradication (KPBB) Ahmad Safrudin said that the government's decision to delay the plan was irresponsible.

"True, it is difficult to control the vehicles, but we have to do it step by step. We have to force the plan," he told The Jakarta Post.

"Besides, as long as there is no rule obligating motorists to use catalytic converters on their vehicles, it won't be a problem," Ahmad said.

The converter is used to reduce the dangerous elements in emissions. In Indonesia, it is generally standard equipment on luxury cars.

The converter, however, will be damaged if the vehicle uses leaded gasoline.(hdn)