JP/5/MUDIK

Police good buddies say ten-niner to Surabaya motorcycle convoys

Indra Harsaputra The Jakarta Post/Surabaya

Iksan, a bank employee in Surabaya, was elated when he heard the news on the radio that the police would provide escorts for homeward-bound motorcyclists during the Idul Fitri exodus. He picked up the telephone and immediately registered to join one of the convoys. "It feels like we're getting an escort like big-wig state officials," he told The Jakarta Post at his office on Jl. Ahmad Yani in Surabaya.

He said that police escorts were important for ensuring the safety and security of motorcyclists on their way home.

The country's roads become even more dangerous than normal around this time of year, with many motorists apparently losing all rationality. As a result, fatal accidents on the highways are legion. In addition, the crime rate during Idul Fitri is usually higher than normal.

Iksan related how he, his wife and his child were threatened with a sickle by a group of muggers during their trip home last year. The muggers escaped with his wife's jewelry.

"We were lucky that our motorcycle was not taken. It was 11 a.m. and there were a lot of vehicles passing by," he said.

"I immediately reported the robbery but the police never found the muggers," he added.

Iksan expressed that hope that during this year's Idul Fitri exodus the police would be able to reduce crime, and one of the ways this could be done was to provide escorts for homeward-bound motorcyclists.

"I hope the news is not just a promise by the police. To earn the respect of the public, they must be sincere in ensuring people's safety and security during Idul Fitri," said Iksan.

Peni, a member of the marketing staff in a company producing snacks in Sidoarjo, expressed a similar opinion. The provision of free escorts by the Surabaya Traffic Police would be a form of public service, and would be particularly beneficial during the Idul Fitri exodus.

"I hope it will actually turn out to be as good as it sounds," she said rather skeptically.

Surabaya Traffic Police chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Royke Lumowa, said that his unit would provide escorts for motorcyclists by forming 10 mobile patrol units consisting of 20 traffic police officers on motorcycles.

"We will establish escort posts at a number of police stations, which will be in operation three days prior to Idul Fitri," he told reporters on Tuesday.

For those requiring police escorts, they would only have to name a coordinator who would then submit his identity card and driving license to the police, and state the number of participants and their motorcycle registration numbers. He would also have to state the time of departure so that the police could arrange an escort. "We will only provide escorts for groups of 100 motorcycles at a minimum," he said.

Royke added that the escorts would be provided from the point of departure to the final destination.

Each group would be escorted by two outriders, one in front and the other at the rear. The outriders would continue with the convoy until the border with the next police jurisdiction, when officers from that police unit would take over.

Jombang-bound travelers, for instance, would only be escorted by Surabaya Police officers as far as Balongbendo, Sidoarjo.

"From Balongbendo, the Mojokerto Traffic Police will take over and accompany the convoy to the next police jurisdiction," said Royke. "As part of the escort service, we will involve the subdistrict police to provide security along the routes traversed by the homeward-bound travelers," he said.

Separately, the East Java Provincial Police have issued a regulation stipulating that a maximum number of two people will be allowed on one motorcycle. Violators of the regulation will be fined.

Some people have criticized the regulation as it means that a husband, his wife and his child will be unable to return home on one motorcycle.

"For those bringing along their wives and children, they are advised to use public transportation for safety reasons," said Royke.