'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.