Challenges to the Police

Challenges to the Police

From Gatra

The statement of the Chief of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police concerning road accidents is saddening. According to the Chief, about 10,000 accidents on toll roads have been recorded to date, not mentioning the "near miss accidents." In fact the Police have taken necessary preventive measures such as intensifying the disciplinary measures in Traffic Control Zones, which should later include all roads and toll roads.

I suggest that especially during this Ramadhan month the Police give greater attention to the following matters:

* It has become a tradition that during Ramadhan people like to enjoy themselves at the side of toll roads before dawn. They often like to throw stones at the passing cars. This is very dangerous to motorists. Why can't the authorities prevent them from coming to the toll roads at such early hours? Something must be done to deter them.

* The use of firecrackers should be strictly forbidden. Sanctions should be imposed on violators.

* The regulation that obliges bus crews to shut their doors is effective for limiting the number of passengers. But the commuters will feel very uncomfortable if all the doors are shut when raining, and some of the passengers indulge in smoking. The regulation should be coupled with prohibiting smoking in the bus as done in Singapore and other advanced countries. These would be challenges to everybody, not just the Police Chief.

ADRIAN LUNTUNGAN

Address withheld