'Public campaign vital, not just sanctions'<\/p>\n
Following the implementation of the 1992 Traffic Law on the use
\nof seat belts, some city residents agreed with the regulation,
\nbut others were unconvinced. Skeptics doubt the ruling will be
\nsuccessfully implemented, due to poor public awareness and law
\nenforcement. The Jakarta Post talked to some people on the issue.<\/p>\n
Galih (not his real name), 33, is a lecturer at a private
\nuniversity in Meruya, West Jakarta. He lives in Joglo, West
\nJakarta, with his wife and daughter:<\/p>\n
The enforcement of the traffic law here comes too late. It
\nshould have been imposed soon after it was endorsed in 1992.<\/p>\n
Despite the importance of using seat belts while driving, I
\ndon't think everyone will comply with the law because of poor
\nawareness.<\/p>\n
It is common knowledge that law enforcement here is poor. The
\ncondition is worsened by several delays in imposing traffic
\nregulations. As a result, these regulations will never hinder
\npeople from violating traffic laws.<\/p>\n
I suggest the police, car producers and the public establish
\ncooperation to raise awareness on the importance of using seat
\nbelts, and not just resort to imposing penalties.<\/p>\n
I also blame the media for not running a public campaign on
\nsafe driving. Why don't the media run some sort of public service
\nadvertisement to educate people on the matter?<\/p>\n
Ignas, 32, works as an accountant in South Jakarta. He lives
\nin Kalimalang, East Jakarta, with his wife and two daughters:<\/p>\n
I agree with the seat belt regulation, because it will educate
\npeople to be more careful when driving. Seat belts are necessary
\nin case of accidents, such as braking to a sudden stop.<\/p>\n
Seat belts aren't installed in cars for nothing, right?<\/p>\n
The hardest thing to do is to teach Indonesians to be more
\ncivilized, to comply with the law. The effective way is to impose
\ntough sanctions, not only verbal warnings, as the police have
\nbeen instructed to do within the six-month introductory period.<\/p>\n
Naryo (not his real name), 46, is a taxi driver. He lives in
\nSouth Jakarta with his wife and three children:<\/p>\n
I'm not sure passengers in the front seat would be willing to
\nuse the seat belt. If they refuse to do so, perhaps I would lose
\nmy income.<\/p>\n
We all know the mentality of our law enforcers. I mean, they
\ncould make a deal with us, regardless of what we've done. So I
\nknow I won't be given a ticket even if my passengers won't use
\nthe seat belt, because I'm sure the police and I will settle any
\ntraffic violations with an "amicable" arrangement.<\/p>\n
Well, I am aware that the salaries of our law enforcers is far
\nfrom enough to meet their families' needs. The expected
\nviolations of this particular regulation simply mean extra money
\nfor them.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/public-campaign-vital-not-just-sanctions-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }