Court tries 2,007 traffic offenders

JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court fined more than 2,007 people for traffic violations on Tuesday in a marathon session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The high number of offenders made up two weeks worth of violations after the court was closed during Independence Day celebrations last week.

"Files sent to the court from the Jakarta Police and Central Jakarta Police led to 1,580 and 427 tickets (being issued) respectively," court clerk Bambang Budi Sofyanto said.

However, only 513 people appeared at the session. The court returned the files of those who were absent to the police.

Judges Lieh Sofijulah and Abdullah Sidik took turns hearing the cases.

Police said most of the violators were motorcyclists who had ignored traffic signs and did not wear helmets.

Central Jakarta Prosecutor's Office official Jamaludin said the highest fine imposed was Rp 75,000 (US$8.15) for three-in-one offenses while the lowest was Rp 15,000 for motorcyclists who forgot to carry their driving licenses. -- Antara