Parades banned along main roads

JAKARTA: Those wishing to participate in takbiran parades on the eve of Idul Fitri should avoid the main thoroughfares of Jl. Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta, Jakarta Police warned.

"Takbiran parade participants should remain in their own areas, should not drive in long convoys and should make sure they wear safety helmets," Jakarta Police traffic division head Sr. Comr. Djoko Susilo was quoted by Detikcom as saying.

He said that participants should also not use trucks and pickups, sit on top of vehicles' roofs or use sirens and flashing lights.

In takbiran parades people usually cram onto the backs of trucks and cruise through the city, beating drums and chanting praises to God to mark the end of Ramadhan. -- JP