Indonesia minister proposes new-car ban

[Eugene]

Source: Agence France-Presse

Indonesia minister proposes new-car ban

Thu Apr 19, 1:07 PM ET

JAKARTA (AFP) - Indonesia's environment minister defended Thursday
his proposal to ban sales of new cars in a bid to slash pollution levels,
amid concern from local automakers.

Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar said the plan could be introduced
if new anti-pollution measures did not improve air quality in smog-filled
cities.

-snip-

"We need to stop the sale of new cars, at least we need to have a pause
of new car production, unless they (carmakers) produce friendly new cars
that use gas, biofuels or electricity," he said.

-snip-

The Indonesian Vehicle Producers Industry Association, whose members
include the nation's biggest car dealer PT Astra International, called on
the minister to get serious on pollution and crackdown on other industries
and power plants.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070419/sc_afp/indonesiaclimate_070419170753