Revoke three-in-one policy

Revoke three-in-one policy

From Neraca

I was rather taken aback by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's statement that the three-in-one traffic policy might be maintained.

We have to admit that the policy, now going on for a number of years, has failed. A negative impact has been the make-believe situation that each car has indeed three or more passengers, while in fact so-called jockeys take Jakartans for a ride against several thousand rupiah through the restricted area.

The road users' behavior is actually an insult to traffic authorities. The authorities should realize that the policy opens the possibility of collusion between traffic police and road users.

I am not inventing things. My son was once coerced into paying a bribe to a traffic officer because he was accused of violating the regulation in the Gatot Subroto area. He told the policeman that as a student he could not afford the Rp 20,000 asked of him, but could only part with Rp 5,000 -- which was accepted.

Two friends of mine entering the Hilton area in front of the DPR building needed a third party for the ride through the restricted zone and hired a female jockey with a compelling face.

Hardly seated as the third passenger, the lady entered into an animated conversation in which she proposed a rendezvous in a certain hotel which was apparently in her beat.

The two gentlemen saw no other solution than to quickly drop her off on the roadside. They continued their trip without the help of a third passenger, but somehow did not experience any further adversity.

The above are just two examples of the many happenings triggered by the three-in-one policy. The authorities should seriously consider to revoke the policy. It is a waste of time and energy for most people.

TEGUH PRANOTO

Jakarta