Govt issues decree on gas emission

JAKARTA: Indonesians may expect to breathe fresher air following the issuance of a ministerial decree on the tolerable limit for gas emissions for new models of cars.

The decree, signed by State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim on Sept. 23, is aimed at increasing air quality in the country, particularly in big cities, by imposing the Euro2 motor vehicle standard.

Nabiel said on Monday the regulation would be imposed on new models of four-stroke motorcycles by July 1, 2006, and on cars and two-stroke motorcycles being produced on Jan. 1, 2007.

All cars produced before the enactment of the decree on Jan. 1, 2005 must undergo a gas emission test by 2004.

The decree was issued to implement Government Regulation No. 41/1999 on air pollution control. -- JP