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

'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