More on air pollution

More on air pollution

With regard to improving Jakarta's air quality, it is fairly
obvious that requiring vehicles to be emission tested or
mandating maintenance programs for motor vehicles is cumbersome,
difficult to enforce, and likely to be circumvented.

Mr. F. Fudyanto Suradibroto's letter (The Jakarta Post, June
20 1996) was exactly to the point. Natural gas is a clean-burning
fuel and is abundant in Indonesia. The cost of converting
existing gas stations and vehicles to natural gas is significant
but because of Indonesia's current petroleum position it would be
economically desirable. Most countries are locked into using
gasoline for cars and have little economic incentive to change.
However, because of its huge natural gas reserves, Indonesia has
a strong incentive to convert.

It is known within the oil industry that Indonesia will soon
be in danger of becoming an oil importer rather than an exporter.
Because oil is a valuable source of foreign currency and also
easier to ship overseas than gas, it is sensible to promote the
use of gas domestically and save oil for exporting.

Once the current large gas pipeline and gas field projects are
on line and delivery systems are complete, there will be pressure
to convert power plants and other large energy users to natural
gas. Since automobiles are a major user of oil, at some point
this pressure would extend to converting motor vehicle fuels as
well.

Gas stations could convert to natural gas in a phased
transition and then car owners and manufacturers would be forced
to convert as well. Conversion kits are available for almost any
make of car. This would radically reduce the polluting emissions
from cars, rapidly reduce air pollutant levels and benefit the
economy as well. At some point in the future Jakarta may not
only have wholesome, pleasant air, but also be under economic and
environmental pressure to make further changes. Unfortunately for
us that looks to be at least 10 years in the future.

MARCUS L. CARY
Jakarta