Policemen have tough job during 'Takbiran'

P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The sound of pounding drums and the chanting of Allahu Akbar (God is great) echoed through the night, along with the pitter-patter of rain over Jakarta on Monday evening, the eve of Idul Fitri, marking the end of the Ramadhan fasting month.

Police officers were seen standing at an intersection trying to direct traffic as a convoy of trucks overloaded with youngsters headed into the city center.

Police were not allowed to take leave the week preceding and following Idul Fitri, which fell on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26.

"We have to be ready for anything that may happen," said Manggarai Police chief First Insp. Sarwono.

"We have signed a contract and occasions like today are part of the agreement," said First Brig. Agus as he tightened his vest against the wind and rain.

First Adj. Insp. Hairullah of the Manggarai Police also had a similar comment: "To be on duty during special occasions like tonight, when everybody else is able to surround themselves in the warmth of their families, is part of the ups and downs of being a police officer."

Adj. Comr. Jaenur of the West Jakarta Police said the downside was when drivers started disobeying traffic regulations -- like youngsters hanging off the side of a truck while others sat atop the cab.

Jaenur said many traffic accidents during takbiran, the parade on the eve of Idul Fitri, were caused by such reckless actions, especially if it was raining and the streets were slippery.

"They could fall off if the driver suddenly hit the brake."

He said nowadays, the real meaning behind takbiran had faded, as people paraded just for fun and rarely chanted Allahu Akbar. Instead, they had become overindulgent, often going to extremes beyond the blowing of paper trumpets in their revelry.

Despite their hard work, the officers were reluctant to talk about their Idul Fitri bonus.

"There is no such term in our corps," said Brig. Hadisantosa from the Jakarta Police's traffic unit.

He said the bonus depended on his superior. This Idul Fitri, each officer in his unit got a care package and Rp 200,000 (US$23.53) in cash from the city police headquarters.

He also said they did not receive allowances other than the Rp 10,000 daily food allowance, which was distributed every morning.

Brig. Supriyanto of the Slipi Police received a different holiday bonus -- each Slipi officer received only Rp 50,000 from their chief.

All police officers across the capital -- the majority of whom are Muslim -- were on duty for the takbiran parade.

The one consolation was that, in the morning, non-Muslim officers would cover for Muslim officers, who would thus be able to observe the Idul Fitri prayers.