Indonesia is optimistic about slashing the production and use of ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons ( HCFC ), an official has said.
The country made a commitment in 2008 to phase out HCFC production and use by 97.5 percent by 2030 under the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol, Arief Yuwono, Deputy Environment Minister in charge of environmental destruction and climate change control, said at a recent press conference.
At a meeting in Montreal, Canada, in September 2007, all parties to the protocol agreed to expedite the phase-out of HCFC production and consumption between 2013 and 2030.
According to the deputy minister, the Indonesian Government has adopted its national HCFC phase-out strategy, which aims to achieve the target by switching from HCFC to non- HCFC technology.
The country will issue new policies and regulations and educate the public about the importance of protecting the ozone layer.
The Environment Ministry will join the Industry Ministry, the Trade Ministry and the Directorate of Customs in phasing out the production and consumption of HCFCs in Indonesia.-VNA
