'I'm OK with or without tinted car windows'

The city administration will impose a new regulation on tinted car windows this month to support the implementation of the new three-in-one traffic policy. With clearer windows it will be easier for police officers to determine whether a mannequin or joki (person hired to be a passenger) is inside a vehicle. The maximum opacity limit allowed is 30 percent, half of the currently permitted opacity. Under the new regulation, offenders could face up to three months in prison or a maximum Rp 5 million (US$595) fine. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about the issue.

Kurniadi, 28, works at a software company in South Jakarta. He also lives in South Jakarta:

The car I bought was already fitted with tinted windows of 60 percent opacity. Although the opacity was the maximum allowed, the sun is so blinding in Jakarta that even tinted windows do not protect me from the glare.

Therefore, I don't mind if the city administration reduces the opacity limit. There will be no significant difference. But in terms of safety, 60 percent opacity might give one the feeling that they are safe from criminal activity on the streets.

Satrio, 26, is a freelance translator. He lives in South Jakarta:

I never have the need to darken my car windows because I don't mind people on the street looking through and staring at me.

After all, I don't have any valuable things in my car. The stereo has long been out-of-order, and my bag usually contains only books.

As for the scorching sun, well I don't see any difference. I'm okay without tinted windows.

--The Jakarta Post