People's Awareness Regarding Vehicle Emission Testing in Jakarta Increases

Level of awareness of vehicle users to take a part in emission test showed satisfactory progress. Based on data from Jakarta Environment (LH) Agency, there were 465,048 vehicles that took a part in emission test from January 1 to December 29, 2021.

There is a peak in November 2021 where it reaches 190,026 vehicles

Jakarta LH Agency's Environmental Impact Control Division Head, Yusiono Angka conveyed, since the policy was implemented in 2005, number of vehicle participating in emission test was no more than 36,000 vehicles a year.

This figure was slowly increasing in line with campaign and regulation set by regional government in form of Jakarta Governor Instruction No. 66/2019 concerning Air Quality Control and Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 66/2020 concerning Motor Vehicle Exhaust Emission Test.

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"We can see in this graph that there is a peak in November 2021 where it reaches 190,026 vehicles," he stated during Balkoters Talks virtual discussion themed "Reduce Emission, Pollution-Free Jakarta" on Thursday (12/30).

He explained, high number of vehicles that took a part in emission test in November 2021 was due to relaxation of public activities. Besides, fines are also imposed for motorists whose vehicles don't undergo emission test which was planned to be implemented on November 13, 2021.

"Although its implementation is postponed because number of vehicles that take emission test is still minimal, it still has an impact on increasing number of vehicles tested for emission," he said.

LH Agency involved 401 automotive workshops, both car and motorcycle workshops, in providing emission test service. In detail, there are 78 workshops in West Jakarta, 101 workshops in South Jakarta, 36 workshops in Central Jakarta, 63 workshops in East Jakarta, and 63 workshops in North Jakarta.

"In order to facilitate the implementation of emission test, residents can download e-Uji Emisi Roda 4 and e-Uji Emisi Roda 2 applications," he mentioned.

Jakarta Council (DPRD) Commission D Secretary, Syarif assessed, Jakarta LH Agency must synergize with private sector in controlling air pollution, especially related to vehicle emission. For example, Jakarta Bina Marga Agency can cooperate with private sector in building pedestrian bridge (JPO) using building floor coefficient (KLB) fund.

"Is there similar thing in LH Agency? Come on, LH Agency should make roadmap and cooperate with private sector," he asserted.

Moreover, he also asked LH Agency to build synergy with Police regarding plan to implement fines for those who don't take a part in emission test. It should be supported because vehicle emission contributes the most in reducing air pollution in Jakarta.

"If we follow regulation related to sanctions, it should have been imposed on November 13. However, because of discretion from Polda Metro to postpone it because number of vehicles participating in emission test hasn't met 50 percent from total," he added.

According to him, regulations issued by Jakarta Government related emission test in order to reduce air emissions were actually very good. "No matter how good the regulations issued, if they do not involve private sector, the policy will not run effectively," he said.

For information, Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan has also suggested strategic actions in overcoming impacts of climate change. It was conveyed when he attended as the speaker at Steering Committee Meeting Cities Climate Leadership Group (C-40).

He emphasized that Jakarta had seriously completed climate action plans through Governor Regulation No. 90/2021 about Climate Resistant Regional Low Carbon Development Plan. This regulation become a solid basis in implementing sustainable climate action in the future.

He has scheduled six discussions that will be material for determining the event, from challenges of pandemic to the future of working environment. The discussion is packed with theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger".

"Jakarta has finally completed its ambitious climate action plan. By establishing regulation as a stronger basis for implementing climate actions as well as efforts to carry out grand mission C40, supporting cities in the world to complete their climate action plans," he stated.

However, he admitted that government cannot solve problems related to emission and climate change alone. It needs community participation to accelerate improvement of environmental conditions.

"Jakarta residents, let's participate in taking public transportation more, using low-emission vehicles, even emission-free vehicles such as bicycle. Moreover, avoid burning trash in open area, make sure our vehicles are well-maintained and have been tested for emission," he closed.