30,000 firecrackers seized in Indramayu

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.