'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