Legal Expert: Enhance Cross-Sectoral Coordination to Prevent Firecracker Hazards

Purwokerto (ANTARA) - Legal expert from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) Purwokerto, Prof Hibnu Nugroho, has reminded of the importance of enhancing cross-sectoral coordination to prevent the hazards of firecrackers, which often cause casualties and disrupt public order, especially during major religious occasions. “Handling the firecracker issue cannot be solely entrusted to the police. Community policing officers cannot act alone; cross-sectoral coordination is needed, involving local government, community leaders, and youth figures to make prevention more effective,” he said when contacted in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, on Tuesday. According to him, religious celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr are synonymous with joyful atmospheres that are part of societal traditions. However, he said, expressions of joy must still remain within the bounds of social tolerance so as not to disturb environmental comfort or endanger public safety. He stated that a persuasive approach through the role of community leaders and community-level guidance is an important step to build collective awareness regarding the risks of using firecrackers. Therefore, he said, the involvement of local-level officials is also considered strategic because they better understand the characteristics and dynamics of the local community. However, large-sized firecrackers with high explosive power are deemed to exceed reasonable limits, so authorities must act firmly to prevent broader impacts. “If it is already beyond the limits, the police must intervene. The police’s function is to maintain order and provide protection to the community,” he said in response to firecracker explosion cases that have caused fatalities in several areas. In addition, he also reminded of the need for consistency in law enforcement to avoid the impression of leniency in society. Such consistency, he said, needs to be accompanied by preventive measures through strict monitoring of the distribution of raw materials that have the potential to be misused as explosives. The Professor of Law at Unsoed’s Faculty of Law assessed that the widespread circulation of firecrackers indicates remaining gaps in the oversight of the distribution chain, both at the production, sales, and field use levels. Therefore, he continued, strengthening coordination between agencies is key to making control more effective and comprehensive. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening legal sanction socialisation so that the public understands the legal consequences of the circulation or use of dangerous firecrackers. According to him, massive socialisation can increase legal awareness while encouraging public participation in preventing potential security and order disturbances. “Law enforcers must not lose to the ‘hide-and-seek’ practices. Coordination among all parties and tightening the distribution of raw materials is key because this concerns public safety,” said Prof Hibnu.