600,000 firecrackers confiscated in Kendal

Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Kendal, Central Java

Kendal Police seized 600,000 firecrackers of various sizes from a trader on Thursday morning in Karangdowo village, Weleri district, Kendal regency.

The police confiscated the Rp 10 million (US$1,176) worth of firecrackers, which were ready for distribution, when they raided a house belonging to the trader, Mujianto.

"The operation was carried out after we received a tip-off from locals," said Kendal Police chief of detectives First Insp. Hanny Hidayat.

Hanny said Mujianto could be charged with violating Emergency Law No. 12/1951, which carries a maximum life sentence.

In most cases, however, the traders are only sentenced to several months in jail.

Mujianto told the police that he obtained the firecrackers from a supplier, Sono, from Indramayu, West Java.

The firecrackers were to be sold in Kendal, Kaliwungu and Sukorejo, he said.

He claimed that the nine bags of firecrackers were the first batch he had received from Sono.

Police have frequently arrested firecracker traders in Central Java, but due to the light sentencing, the measures have failed to deter the traders.

Firecrackers are easily found at markets and on the streets in Central Java, especially during the holiday season, although they have been banned.