Road Safety: From Fear of Authorities to a Life Necessity

Changing the culture of traffic rule violations in Indonesia cannot be achieved solely through reactive methods. The second approach is to alter the mindset structure through education focused on awareness rather than fear. Thirdly, impartial and consistent law enforcement is needed so that society views safety as a necessity. According to Jusri Pulubuhu, Founder of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), a paradigm shift is required to make safety a necessity, not just an obligation due to fear of authorities. “This safety issue is each person’s responsibility. Accidents are our choice, but safety is our responsibility,” Jusri told Kompas.com recently. Jusri believes there are strategic steps to change public mindset from one driven by fear of police to proactive behaviour. The mindset change must begin from the smallest unit, the family, then move to higher levels. Every element must take responsibility for providing measurable safety education. Parents, especially fathers, must educate their children and wives about road risks. Then, workplaces must provide strict instructions and occupational health and safety management (K3) to all employees. Only then should the government, from ministries to the presidential level, lead by example and set safety standards for units below them. Jusri highlights that current road discipline is still seen as a burden, done only under supervision. “For example, people place helmets on their elbows or knees, only wearing them at intersections because police are present. Safety should be their need, a lifestyle like that. This is what’s missing,” said Jusri. Society must be encouraged to learn from others’ experiences or safety literacy without having to experience accidents physically first.