Fireworks abusers may get death

Fireworks abusers may get death

Ahmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

City Police and the City Administration pledged on Thursday to
take stern actions against firecracker producers, distributors
and users, claiming that some of the larger noise-making devices
could be classified as bombs.

"Some of these are bombs with seriously explosive material.
Gone are the days of small, harmless firecrackers," City Police
Deputy Chief Brig. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara said after a meeting
at City Hall.

Makbul said the incendiary devices, which are currently on
sale in almost every market here, could be considered small bombs
which endanger people's life.

He said the producers, distributors and even users will
henceforth be charged with Article 187 of the Criminal Code on
public disturbances. "They could face a maximum sentence of eight
years in prison," Makbul said.

He added that some people could feasibly be charged with
violating the Emergency Law No. 12/1951 which bans the use or
possession of explosive materials and carries either a death
sentence or life imprisonment.

Makbul informed the media that as many as 120 people had been
detained since the beginning of Ramadhan, which began Nov. 16 and
is traditionally a popular time to set off fireworks.

"The police are very serious about this matter. We'll bring
offenders to justice," he said.

The meeting which was led by City Governor Sutiyoso was also
attended by City Council Speaker Edy Waluyo.

Sutiyoso said his administration called on Jakarta's Muslim
residents to conduct Takbiran keliling (parades and prayers on
the eve of Idul Fitri) in mosques and not in cars traveling
around the city.

"Many people throw firecrackers while they are doing the
Takbiran on the streets. It will disturb other people," the
governor said.