Seven tons of firecrackers confiscated in operations

Seven tons of firecrackers confiscated in operations

JAKARTA (JP): Seven tons of firecrackers have been confiscated in a series of operations since September in a bid to prevent irresponsible parties from using them, an official said Saturday.

Toha Reno, head of the city's public order and entertainment subdivision, told The Jakarta Post that the 7 tons of firecrackers were confiscated from several places, including Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta; Klender and Jatinegara markets, East Jakarta; and Tanah Abang and Senen markets, Central Jakarta.

Even though constant operations were launched to curb distribution of firecrackers, many vendors can still get the merchandise to sell to the public, he said.

"Actually we are puzzled because every time we launch an operation, the sellers easily hide their goods. Many times when we arrive, they have already disappeared.

"The distribution of firecrackers is also hard to stop because they are manufactured in houses. It's almost impossible to raid every house in the city. The problem is the material for making firecrackers can be easily bought here," Toha said.

The materials, such as gun powder, cigarette paper and various chemical ingredients can usually be bought in building material stores so people can easily produce firecrackers, he said.

Toha said the number of sellers usually mushroomed at the start of Ramadhan even though selling firecrackers is prohibited under Provincial Decree No. 5/1971.

"The operation against firecrackers is necessary because firecrackers are endangering people's lives," Toha said.

During the last operation, in Tanjung Priok and Jatinegara this month, 750 kilograms of firecrackers were seized.

In a bid to further curb the distribution of firecrackers, the municipality is currently cooperating with the Jakarta Police to clear the streets of firecracker sellers.

"Therefore, we will continue the operation against the vendors and users," Toha said.

It has become a tradition to let off firecrackers in the city to celebrate the festive season.

But because the traditions constantly causes serious accidents, from losing fingers to setting buildings on fire, the authorities tightened their control over the use of firecrackers.

"It's important to remind the public that the ban on the use and production of any kind of firecracker is still in effect," he added.

As stated in a 1951 martial law, the production, sale and distribution of firecrackers is forbidden because they are classified as being explosives.

Only government officials are allowed to use firecrackers on special occasions, including during national day celebrations.

The city's public order office has also revealed the results of a crackdown on illegal residents in the city.

Up until the first week of January, 1,378 people were rounded up in an operation to clear the city of "unwanted residents".

Among them are thee-in-one jockeys, prostitutes, vagrants, beggars, hoodlums and other illegal residents who were considered jobless people.

Out of 1,378 people, 200 were being sent back to their home towns and 146 were placed in rehabilitation programs.

"They come here desperately seeking a better life. They come in throngs to Jakarta mostly because they have nothing to do back home. For instance, their harvest were destroyed because of the drought. Eventually, they become burden a to the city," he said.

Toha said the number of unwanted residents is most likely to increase due to Ramadhan and Idul Fitri, therefore, the city will provide certain posts to keep them away from the city.

"The posts are to be situated at bus terminals and railway stations. Hopefully, they will be activated by the third week of this fasting month," he said.

Governor Sutiyoso has repeatedly warned residents not to bring their families and relatives to the city.

"If you do not have special skills and jobs, please get out... go away from Jakarta," the governor said. (edt)