Massive raids on firecrackers

JAKARTA (JP): Worried about the harmful impacts and annoyance caused to the public by the growing use of firecrackers in the capital, Governor Sutiyoso ordered, on Monday, all of the city's five mayoralties to immediately conduct massive raids on the sale and use of the contraband.

"I've ordered all five mayors to raid and seize all firecrackers found and take stern punishment (against those found producing, selling and burning the firecrackers) since it's against the city bylaw," Sutiyoso told journalists in his office, referring to the City Bylaw No.11/1998 on public order.

He admitted that the city administration had been too lenient toward the people by not taking stiffer measures against those producing, selling and playing with firecrackers.

"Now we have to be stricter," the governor remarked.

"We will confiscate every single firecracker in the capital, because it could endanger other people's lives," Sutiyoso added.

It has become a tradition for children and adults alike, across the country, to play with firecrackers during the evenings of certain religious events, such as the ongoing Ramadhan fasting month. Many children in their own residential areas have even treated firecrackers as weapons to attack their rival gangs, which in many cases has ended in violent brawls or fires.

In the past few years, the city's outskirts have recorded a number of blasts and fires at buildings used to produce firecrackers. A number of youths have also been seriously wounded by the firecrackers.

According to Article 1 of the 1951 Emergency Law, the selling and possession of fireworks can result in being charged with the death penalty.

The governor once said that he was embarrassed because several foreign ambassadors had called him because of the disturbance that had been caused to them by the sound of firecrackers used by people living near their residences.

"They cannot rest because of the noise. I am so embarrassed because of these complaints," he said. (dja)