Firecracker business booming despite ban
Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Jakarta Police's ambitious goal of a firecracker-free Ramadhan has gone up in smoke, with trade in the potentially fatal and extremely loud explosive devices booming.
Firecrackers are available for sale in most markets, including Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta, Jatinegara in East Jakarta and around Blok M in South Jakarta.
Though they are not displayed to avoid raids by police, behind the sparklers, traders offer the film-canister sized firecrackers for sale.
"We've got to be very careful now. The police often conduct raids on firecracker vendors nowadays," said Sadali, not his real name, a seasonal firecracker merchant in Tanah Abang.
Mondang, not his real name, a trader in Jatinegara, said he braved the risks for cash.
"Last year, I made more than Rp 3 million in profit from selling firecrackers ahead of and during the fasting month," Mondang, who also sells children toys, said.
Small firecrackers are sold at Rp 500 each while larger devices reach Rp 10,000.
The traders usually store their illegal wares close but away from their stalls to minimize the chances of being busted. And they are choosy about who they sell to.
"We must be sure that the customer is not an undercover police officer," said Juwono, a trader in Blok M.
Juwono said he paid bribes to low-ranking police officers to inform him of any planned raids.
"I know police have banned firecracker trading, but many consumers need it to celebrate the fasting month and Idul Fitri. As a vendor, I just try to fulfill their needs," he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
Several Islamic organizations, including the biggest, Nahdlatul Ulama, have labeled firecrackers as haram (forbidden) for Muslims.
The ban was sparked by deaths from firecrackers. Last year, firecracker explosions killed one man and injured 24 others in Jakarta alone. In 2000, five people died and 36 others were injured in Jakarta.
In August, a bus carrying firecrackers exploded, claiming 12 lives and injuring 18 others in Indramayu, West Java. About a month later, 10 people died and 27 others were injured during an explosion in a fireworks factory in Slawi, Central Java.
But still people continue to support the illegal trade as part of their annual festivities. Betawi people (native Jakartans) usually use firecrackers during wedding receptions, circumcision celebrations or Idul Fitri.
"It's our tradition. We don't harm others, only its bang is disturbing," said Yusup, a native Jakartan who lives in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.
He would use the explosives during the fasting month of Ramadhan, which is expected to start on Nov. 6.
On Thursday, Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said he had ordered his officers to take firm action against firecracker producers, traders and consumers in order to make Jakarta a firecracker-free city.
Those who are found producing, selling or buying firecrackers would be charged under Article 187 of the Criminal Code on explosives, which carries a maximum eight year jail sentence.
In addition, under Emergency Law No. 12 1951, those who distribute, trade and own firecrackers can be sentenced to up to 20 years jail.
Last year, Jakarta Police conducted raids against firecracker vendors in the city. However, their aim of ridding the city of firecrackers was an all-to-visible and audible failure.