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