An ideal smart city needs supporting elements which include a healthy environment and clean air. These two things could increase the quality of life and the productivity of its citizens. However, with the large number of vehicles passing through Jakarta's street - 11,839,921 in 2019, this vision can only be achieved through good air quality supervision and strict measures.

Tackling Pollution

As we know, exhaust gases from motorized vehicles are one of the biggest contributors to the air pollution problem in Jakarta. According to data, during the first half of 2020 (January-June), air quality in Jakarta has shown a decline until April. During this period, the provincial government also imposed Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) between March and May, where people were urged to limit activities outside their homes as part of efforts to deal with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: statistik.jakarta.go.id

From the picture above, we can see how the number of days with "Moderate" air quality decreases. However, the number of days with "Unhealthy" air quality increased in April, before declining again in May. Meanwhile, the PSBB period seems to have helped reduce the number of days with "Very Unhealthy" air quality, which occurred three times in March.

As we enter the new year of 2021, Jakarta's Government is trying to improve the air quality by stipulating vehicle emission tests based on Governor Regulation No. 66 of 2020. In that regulation, the implementation of this vehicle emission test is mandatory for all private vehicles, both cars and motorbikes, which are more than three years old.

Finding Emissions Test Sites

If the vehicle you own is more than three years old, then that means you are obliged to participate in the test. Of course, you need to make preparations in advance, such as finding information regarding places that provide emissions testing facilities.

Instead of going around in circles looking for this emission test site, it would be much more convenient for you to download the E-Uji Emisi (E-Emissions Test) application provided by the Jakarta Environmental Agency. With this application, you can effortlessly search and find workshops ready to do emission tests for your vehicle. 

First, in the main menu, press the option "Bengkel Uji Emisi" (Emissions Test Workshop). After that, you have two choices: find the nearest repair shop's location via GPS assistance on your smartphone, or search for emission test sites based on the region of your choice. 

Regardless of the search method you choose, the application will present you with details of the emission test location, such as the address and distance of the workshop as well as a phone number that you may be able to use to schedule and book your test.

Emissions Test Procedure

After you arrive at the emissions test site, a registered emissions test technician will assist with the testing process. Even so, there is nothing wrong if you also know the emission test procedure so you can participate in monitoring and making sure the emissions testing process is properly done. Each emissions test technician will be equipped with a tool called an exhaust gas analyzer. This tool has the primary function of measuring Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC) levels, and other elements from the exhaust gases produced by incorrect combustion. 

The technician will first perform a tool calibration, ensuring that each parameter is at zero. This step needs to be taken so that the recorded data is not contaminated with the previous emission test results from other vehicles. Then, make sure the car is parked on a flat surface and with the engine running and at working temperature (60°C-70°C, or as per the manufacturer's recommendations). 

The inspection process begins with the engine running at 1,900 rpm (rotations per minute) to 2,000 rpm and then held for 60 seconds before returning to idle. After this, the measurements will be made with the engine at idle condition (800-1,400 rpm). At the same time, the technician inserts a probe into the vehicle exhaust pipe as deep as 30 cm. If it is less than 30 cm, it is necessary to install additional pipes. Wait 20 seconds, and after that, the emissions test equipment will record and print the CO and HC gas concentration data.

Photo: beritajakarta.id

To find out whether your vehicle has passed the emissions test, we need to look at Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 31 of 2008 which stipulates the emissions test threshold as follows:

Motorcycle (2-stroke): 4.5% CO and 12000 ppm HC; 

Motorcycle (4-stroke): 5.5% CO and 2400 ppm HC; 

Car (gasoline): 1.5% CO and 200 ppm HC.

If the CO and HC gas concentrations are below the aforementioned threshold, then your vehicle can be declared as having passed the emissions test. On the other hand, if the test results exceed the predetermined threshold, or you don't do the emission test at all, then you may be subject to a disincentive in the form of the highest parking payment at parking facilities in the DKI Jakarta area. 

In addition, you can also get ticketed on the road by the police and the Jakarta Transportation Agency with a maximum fine of IDR 250,000 for motorbikes and IDR 500,000 thousand for cars. So, make sure your car or/and bikes get tested for emissions to save our environment, and let’s bring back the bright blue skies to Jakarta!