Firecracker business booming despite ban

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.