'All have the same rights on the road'

'All have the same rights on the road'

The existing law gives the police the authority to stop the
traffic to allow state officials or state visitors, among others,
to pass. But with the severe traffic congestion in Jakarta
nowadays, some residents The Jakarta Post spoke with surmised
that such privileges were excessive.

Jamal, 28, works as a technician for a private company in
Slipi, West Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children in
Tangerang:

I don't agree with the privileges given to state officials
under traffic regulations. As citizens, we should all have the
same rights under the law.

If the law states otherwise, then it should be revised. At
least the law should clarify in exactly what sort of situation
this privilege should be allowed.

If not, all state officials will ask the police to escort
them, along with their families, at any time for any trivial
purpose. As a consequence, traffic congestion will only get
worse.

Maya Sasti, 28, is a journalist. She lives in a rented house
in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta:

Traffic congestion in Jakarta is already unbearable. Please
don't add any more problems by ordering us to pull over so that
the motorcades of important people can pass through.

I would be angry if they did that just because the officials
wanted to get to their offices faster.

I also don't agree with the traffic being stopped for funeral
processions. I know we should prioritize hearses and ambulances,
but not the whole convoy.

--The Jakarta Post