'Say sorry, pay money, escape fines'
Governor Sutiyoso passed a decree enforcing the three-in-one traffic policy but many legal experts question whether the decree gives the police the legal basis to ticket violators. Despite the questions, however, the police are ticketing violators, who must appear in court to be fined, without the opportunity to defend themselves. The Jakarta Post asked some residents whether they preferred going to court or bribing the police to get out of a ticket.
Djamil, 47, is a taxi driver. He lives with his wife and children in Condet, East Jakarta:
I've been a taxi driver for 20 years now and not once have I got a ticket. Sometimes the police stop me, but if you take a good approach with them, they will let you go for a small amount of money.
What I mean by taking a good approach is don't argue with the police. Tell them you're sorry, you know that you have violated traffic rules and hand them some money, about Rp 10,000 (US$1.2) is enough. I have lied before and told the police that my passenger was pregnant and needed to be rushed to the hospital. That way there is no money involved.
If I take the ticket that would mean I could not work for several days until the trial because the police would take my driver's license. What's in it for me?
Gary, 30, works at an ad agency located within the three-in- one restricted zone. He lives in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta:
I choose to bribe the police. Why not? They need the money because I know they receive small salaries. Besides, settling it in court takes a lot of time and energy. And you have to spend more money to pay the middlemen at the court.
I was once caught on Jl. Sudirman by a police officer who looked like he would be more suited working as a security guard for my aunt. He agreed to take the job for a salary of Rp 1.5 million a month. We exchanged contact numbers and he let me go without me having to pay a bribe.
He's been working at my aunt's house for over a year now and is about to marry one of my aunt's maids.
This proves that settling the matter amicably is much better than going to court. Otherwise, that policeman would still be on the street, surviving on his small salary. It's good to know that you have done a good turn for someone else.
-- The Jakarta Post