Indonesia is proud to host the Better Air Quality 2006 workshop. The State Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Indonesia has initiated the formulation of a national clean air act to intensify initial air quality management efforts and to respond to the public concern on the adverse effects of air pollution.

Since 1992, we have taken several measures to control air pollution from motor vehicles through the "Blue Skies Program" including the passage of the decree on motor vehicle emissions standards in 2000 and enforcement of the mandatory disclosure of automotive emissions in 2004. The Ministry continues to support the efforts of local government units to improve air quality and we are proud of the success achieved by for example the Transjakarta Busway.

Stakeholders from different sectors in Indonesian society, including national government agencies, local governments, nongovernment organizations, private sector, academe, and the youth recognize the seriousness of air pollution as a threat to public health, environment, and economy. We look upon BAQ 2006 as an opportunity not only share our efforts but also to learn from the experiences of our neighbors and friends in Asia as well as those outside Asia. Through BAQ 2006, I hope that we can all work together to accelerate efforts to make blue skies a permanent part of the landscape of Indonesia and of other Asian countries as well.

See you in Yogyakarta!

- Rachmat Witoeler, Minister, State Ministry of Environment