P&G to conduct survey on helmet use

JAKARTA (JP): Consumer products manufacturer PT Procter & Gamble (P&G) Indonesia, will conduct a survey on motorcycle helmet use at four city universities next week, the company's president Peter J.S. Laing said on Tuesday.

Laing said the survey, part of the "Rejoice Helmania" campaign, aimed to raise student awareness about the importance of wearing helmets in the capital.

"Results from the survey will be announced in May. We will also give prizes to students who participate in the survey," he said after the campaign was launched at the office of the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication.

The four educational institutions are the state-run Indonesia University and Jakarta Teachers Training Institute and the privately-run Trisakti and Atmajaya universities.

He said a similar survey will be conducted later in other big cities in Java, such as Bandung and Cirebon in West Java, Semarang in Central Java, Surabaya in East Java and Yogyakarta.

Besides conducting the survey, P&G will also air public service advertisements on the state-owned TVRI television station and privately-run SCTV television station. Laing did not provide details on the projected cost of the campaign.

P&G Indonesia based the campaign theme on increasing sales of motorcycles across the country.

Motorcycle sales contrasted vehicle sales which have plummeted during the economic crisis, Laing said.

The number of accidents involving motorcycle drivers totaled 40 percent of accidents, accounting for the most traffic accidents, Laing said.

"We're committed to helping the government reduce the number of fatal injuries caused by lack of helmet usage."

In his speech, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication Haryono Suyono hailed the company's initiative, saying the drive would have a positive impact on ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers and their passengers.

"Talking about helmet usage relates to the poor, many of whom are motorcyclists. So the campaign will also improve people's welfare," Hayono said. (jun)