Public vehicles told to use gas to curb pollution
Wednesday, February 21 2001 - 04:00 AM WIB
Public transportation vehicles in the capital will be required to use natural gas by the end of this year at the latest, State Minister of the Environment Sonny Keraf said on Tuesday.
"We have not set the exact deadline yet, but all related ministries have begun preparations to realize the plan," Sonny said during a break in a seminar on unleaded gasoline here.
Only some taxis have used natural gas so far.
The mandatory use of natural gas for public transportation vehicles in the capital is part of a broad pollution control campaign called Blue Sky, and is in line with the ongoing promotion of unleaded gasoline. Jakarta is the world's third most polluted city after Mexico City and Bangkok.
In view of the worsening air pollution in urban areas resulting from motor vehicle emissions, the minister of mines and energy issued a decree in October 1999 stipulating a complete phasing out of leaded gasoline by January 2003.
"After the initial move on the use of natural gas for public transportation vehicles, the entire community will be encouraged to follow suit," Sonny said.
A total of 5,441 full-sized buses and 4,981 medium-sized buses have been operating in the capital for more than 20 years.
Sonny admitted that inadequate infrastructure would prove an obstacle to the government's campaign to promote the use of natural gas for fuel. He cited a lack of pipelines and gas stations equipped to sell natural gas to residents, the construction of which would require massive funds.
According to the spokesman of state-owned PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), Suhartono, there are only six gas stations in the capital selling natural gas, compared to over 180 stations that sell gasoline.
Suhartono said the pipeline network in Jakarta only reached a few industrial estates, such as Pulogadung in East Jakarta and Daan Mogot in West Jakarta.
"The most important thing is a strong commitment from the government to prioritize promoting the use of natural gas by residents. Otherwise, more natural gas stations will have to be closed down," Suhartono told The Jakarta Post.
In line with the policy to promote the use of natural gas, Sonny said the government would invite private companies to invest in the construction of natural gas stations across the capital.
He also urged all bus and taxi companies to equip themselves with natural gas stations. (*)