'Officers, motorists know how game is played'

'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