I

n an attempt to prevent the further depletion of the ozone layer, the government has been training air conditioner (AC) technicians on the correct procedures of stopping ozone-depleting molecules from being released into the atmosphere.

The use of air conditioners is common across Indonesia, but not many people — including service technicians — know that refrigerants commonly used in air conditioners and refrigerators, like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), known as R-22, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), contribute to ozone depletion.

The Environment and Forestry Ministry, in collaboration with the Manpower Ministry and the Indonesian chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (Ashrae), has trained at least 90 AC service technicians in Greater Jakarta on how to prevent leakages of harmful
coolants.

In addition to certificates, the technicians will also receive training on alternative technology and refrigerants.

“We provide them with the knowledge as well as tools that could help them prevent the harmful molecules […] from being released into atmosphere,” Zulhasni from the Environment and Forestry Ministry said on Sunday in an event to commemorate World Ozone Day.

R-22, also known as Freon, can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. And so can HFCs, also known as R-32, even though they are considered the safer option.

The use of HFCs in Indonesia has grown significantly over the past two decades as the chemicals are an alternative to ozone depleting substances banned under the Montreal Protocol, namely chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and R-22.

The government has committed to phasing out ozone-depleting coolants and is considering a move to ozone friendly refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators.

On Sunday, the ministry took the call for ozone protection to the streets of Central Jakarta, with the message that it was easy to prevent the further depletion of the ozone layer: the first step is to hire AC technicians that are properly certified.

“People who use air conditioners at home can also join the campaign by using only the services of certified technicians for their air-conditioner maintenance,” Zulhasni said.

Sunday’s World Ozone Day commemoration, which took place at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, attracted joggers and passersby who were enjoying the weekly Car Free Day.

Nina, 40, a resident of Kemandoran in South Jakarta, said she had no idea that air conditioners could harm the ozone layer.

“What else I can do? It is almost impossible not to use an AC in Jakarta. But from now on, I will only use [certified] AC maintenance services,” she said.

Dozens of other technicians are expected to participate in similar training this year.

Ashrae Indonesia’s Deddy el Rashid said the association had also independently trained and certified technicians in Aceh, Medan in North Sumatra, Bukittinggi in West Sumatra and Makassar in South Sulawesi.

“There are lots of certified technicians out there, so people are most welcome to use their services,” Deddy said.

The Environment and Forestry Ministry’s climate change mitigation director, Emma Rachmawaty, said the government has laid out plans to stop acquiring new products containing HFCs by 2024 while also trying to find alternatives to them.

One possible alternative is hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, or HCs, which, according to the ministry, are environmentally friendly because of their zero ozone depletion and global warming potential.

State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina launched HC refrigerants in 2009, which are sold under the brand name Musicool.