Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Emission checks will be mandatory for every vehicle operating in Jakarta next year and owners will be asked for an emission clearance certification when applying for or extending vehicle licenses, the head of the City Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda) said on Wednesday.

The agency head, Kosasih Wirahadikusumah, said car owners would be required to obtain an annual clean emission certificate, issued by privately-run automobile shops that have been declared qualified by the city administration, as stipulated in the Gubernatorial ruling No.95/2000.

The regulation will be implemented in 2002 and apply to residents of Jakarta.

"Thus far, only public transportation vehicles are required to undergo emission checks, and its implementation has yet to be effective," Kosasih told The Jakarta Post.

It is no secret that public transportation vehicles, including polluting ones, can easily be declared as having passed the emissions test without actually having to undergo the test itself.

"Starting next year, all vehicles in Jakarta will be asked for an emission clearance certification. Otherwise, car owners will not be permitted to extend or apply for vehicle licenses," he added.

The program is called Inspection and Maintenance, and is an initiative of the Multisectoral Action Plan Group, which consists of various elements of government such as the National Environmental Impact Management Agency, the city administration, the State Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Transportation.

The group was formed in conjunction with the government's efforts to phase out the use of leaded gas nationwide, which commenced in June.

However, it is still unclear when exactly next year the program will start.

"We are still searching for a conducive and appropriate time for implementation," Kosasih said.

Emissions from poorly maintained vehicles and the use of leaded gasoline has contributed significantly to the levels of air pollution in the city.