30,000 firecrackers seized in Indramayu

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu

Indramayu police have seized at least 30,000 illegal firecrackers in a joint security operation with the local military on the eve of the Ramadhan fasting month.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Setyo Warsito, chief of the Indramayu, West Java, Police Precinct, said there were no arrests during the joint operation though those caught were given a final warning.

The operation, which netted small and large-sized explosive devices, was launched because local people had ignored the authorities' warnings against trading and using the dangerous explosive devices, said Setyo.

"We have publicized but laws but people have ignored them. The rampant use of firecrackers has caused unrest among local people," he said here on Tuesday.

Setyo admitted he had given instructions not to arrest firecracker traders until the firecracker ban was widely understood among the people.

"During the joint operation, firecracker traders were given a last warning and told they will be brought to court should they be found guilty of trading the dangerous explosive substance," he said.

The 1939 law on firecrackers allows for a three-month jail sentence or a maximum Rp 7,500 fine for those found guilty of manufacturing, trafficking, trading or using the devices.

Like other regencies, Indramayu has a bylaw against the use of firecrackers.

Firecracker use has been rampant among young people marking the arrival of the fasting month, the Idul Fitri holidays and other important events such as marriage ceremonies.