'Many break rules for personal reasons'

Vice President Hamzah Haz publicly apologized for using the busway lane on his way to the office and has even vowed to stop at traffic lights despite his law-given privileges to break traffic rules. The Jakarta Post asked to some residents whether state officials really deserved such privileges.

Teguh Susilo, 43, is an employee of a private company on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Pramuka in Central Jakarta:

I think a mistake made by Vice President Hamzah Haz should not spark pointless debate on whether VVIPs (very very important persons) should be given special treatment or not on the streets.

I think such special treatment should continue. In my opinion, presidents and vice presidents deserve to receive such exemptions because they need to move fast to meet their tight schedules.

What we must discuss is how well the police enforce the existing traffic regulations and how to create a transportation system that works for all of us, VVIPs or not.

Suwandhi, 29, works for a non-governmental organization. He is single and living with fellow activists in Tomang, West Jakarta:

The time is right for the government to revoke a number of regulations that give privileges to state officials because many of such privileges have been misused. Are they driving through stop signs to attend emergency meetings or are they using their privileges for personal reasons, like visiting their second or third wives?

Most importantly, they should be treated equally under the law. If ordinary motorists have to struggle to get through traffic congestion, they should too.

--The Jakarta Post