Firecrackers no-no at Ramadhan

JAKARTA: Jakarta administration has prohibited the sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers, especially during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan and the Idul Fitri holiday, arguing that use of the explosives endangers bystanders.

Head of the City Public Order Agency Soebagio said his office would crack down on trading centers for fireworks and firecrackers, which include Blok M market, South Jakarta; Tanah Abang market, Central Jakarta and Jatinegara, East Jakarta.

"Public order officers will start to search for the prohibited items a week before the fasting month begins. The main targets of the raids are traders and suppliers," he said on Wednesday.

Last year, the police, for the first time, strictly enforced a ban on the sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers, which are categorized as explosive material.

The strict enforcement reduced the number of victims who suffered injury from misuse of fireworks or firecrackers. Data at Cipto Mangunkusumo public hospital said only 24 people were treated for such injuries compared with the previous year's 60. -- JP