ADB grants $600,000 for clean fuel project in Jakarta

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a technical assistance (TA) grant of US$600,000 equivalent to prepare a Blue Skies project to promote clean vehicle fuel in Jakarta, according to a statement released by the bank on Tuesday.

The statement said the grant, provided by its Japan Special Fund, financed by Japan, would help Indonesia government promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and map out a plan for strengthened air emission testing and monitoring.

"Use of compressed natural gas would significantly contribute toward improved air quality in Jakarta," said Anil Terway, ADB principal energy specialist.

The United Nations ranks Jakarta as the world's third most polluted mega-city, after Mexico and Bangkok. Traffic fumes are the major source of air pollution.

According to the statement the study work is due for completion in August 2003. The government will finance $158,000 equivalent of the TA's local currency costs. (robert)