'Public campaign vital, not just sanctions'

'Public campaign vital, not just sanctions'

Following the implementation of the 1992 Traffic Law on the use
of seat belts, some city residents agreed with the regulation,
but others were unconvinced. Skeptics doubt the ruling will be
successfully implemented, due to poor public awareness and law
enforcement. The Jakarta Post talked to some people on the issue.

Galih (not his real name), 33, is a lecturer at a private
university in Meruya, West Jakarta. He lives in Joglo, West
Jakarta, with his wife and daughter:

The enforcement of the traffic law here comes too late. It
should have been imposed soon after it was endorsed in 1992.

Despite the importance of using seat belts while driving, I
don't think everyone will comply with the law because of poor
awareness.

It is common knowledge that law enforcement here is poor. The
condition is worsened by several delays in imposing traffic
regulations. As a result, these regulations will never hinder
people from violating traffic laws.

I suggest the police, car producers and the public establish
cooperation to raise awareness on the importance of using seat
belts, and not just resort to imposing penalties.

I also blame the media for not running a public campaign on
safe driving. Why don't the media run some sort of public service
advertisement to educate people on the matter?

Ignas, 32, works as an accountant in South Jakarta. He lives
in Kalimalang, East Jakarta, with his wife and two daughters:

I agree with the seat belt regulation, because it will educate
people to be more careful when driving. Seat belts are necessary
in case of accidents, such as braking to a sudden stop.

Seat belts aren't installed in cars for nothing, right?

The hardest thing to do is to teach Indonesians to be more
civilized, to comply with the law. The effective way is to impose
tough sanctions, not only verbal warnings, as the police have
been instructed to do within the six-month introductory period.

Naryo (not his real name), 46, is a taxi driver. He lives in
South Jakarta with his wife and three children:

I'm not sure passengers in the front seat would be willing to
use the seat belt. If they refuse to do so, perhaps I would lose
my income.

We all know the mentality of our law enforcers. I mean, they
could make a deal with us, regardless of what we've done. So I
know I won't be given a ticket even if my passengers won't use
the seat belt, because I'm sure the police and I will settle any
traffic violations with an "amicable" arrangement.

Well, I am aware that the salaries of our law enforcers is far
from enough to meet their families' needs. The expected
violations of this particular regulation simply mean extra money
for them.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.