'Officers, motorists know how game is played'

The police have ticketed hundreds of motorists for violating the new three-in-one traffic policy, with many of these scofflaws saying they vainly attempted to bribe their way of the tickets. However, The Jakarta Post spoke with some residents who cast doubt over the idea that the police had given up their venal ways.

Teddy, 28, works at an insurance company in Jakarta. The newlywed lives with his wife at his parents' house in South Jakarta. The couple usually pass through the three-in-one restricted zone on their way to their offices:

I have been caught twice by the police while on Jl. Sudirman because I was driving alone. I chose to bribe the officers because I didn't want to get into more trouble with the courts. After a brief negotiation, I paid the officers Rp 20,000 ($2.40) both times.

If this happens again, I will choose to settle the problem right on the spot. Besides, you know the quality of our courts, right?

It is not because I don't want to follow the rules, but I just don't want to waste my time. I will settle my problems in the courts when the system is better.

Suparno, 41, is a public minivan driver. He lives with his wife and three children in West Jakarta:

I always bribe the police officers who stop, usually for picking up or dropping passengers in a restricted zone.

Both the officers and me know how the game is played, and I usually pay them between Rp 10,000 and Rp 20,000.

I pay them because I don't know any other way to settle the problem. What else am I supposed to do when a policeman stops me? Just hand over my license? That will only cause me more headaches because the officer will ask for even more money if I delay the "peaceful" settlement.

--The Jakarta Post