Police powerless against illegal cars

BATAM, Riau Islands: The widespread use of smuggled cars from Singapore and Malaysia by local residents in Batam has caused many cars to carry similar license plate numbers, police officials say.

Chief of Barelang police traffic unit, First Adj. Comr. Marcelino said the police could not do much about it. He added that the police were still trying to find the right way to prevent use of illegal cars in the city.

"If you know the solution to this problem, let me know. Many people are using illegal cars, so it's not the police's fault," said Marcelino, while promising to conduct more raids.

The widespread use of illegal cars has occurred because they are cheaper compared to legal ones.

A car without proper documents is sold for between Rp 10 million and Rp 40 million, depending on its type, brand and year of production. A 2000 Mitsubishi Space Wagon, for instance, can be obtained for Rp 20 million. -- JP