Operation Zebra

Operation Zebra

From Forum Keadilan

Operation Zebra has been run several times, with the aim of bringing order to traffic. The action is expected to also bring a sense of order to pedestrians, at least for as long as the operation lasts.

However, it appears the campaign is being ignored by pedestrians, who have long been in the habit of crossing roads without considering the safety of others. In other words, they are used to ignoring regulations.

Just take a look at Medan's roads, for instance. In spite of the present traffic drive, drivers of public transportation still stop and pick up passengers anywhere they like. Motorcyclists still drive around wearing no helms, becak drivers still drive against oncoming traffic on one-way roads without lights in the evening, while traffic lights at crossroads are still ignored by drivers most of the time. Many jaywalkers do not fear the law because punishment is rarely meted out, even if traffic police witness the offense.

During Operation Zebra, police busy themselves with license and roadworthy checks. People are now wondering if Operation Zebra was set up to check drivers on public roads, or to check the validity of car registration and ownership. Is the operation meant to minimize traffic accidents, or take action against unruly drivers?

There is still another question: why is order in the traffic system only executed when Operation Zebra is on (once in so many months) while traffic violations happen every minute in the presence of traffic police?

T.A. MADJID

Medan, North Sumatra