Soeharto condemns reckless drivers

JAKARTA (JP): Reckless drivers caught the attention of President Soeharto yesterday who condemned them and said such behavior could no longer be tolerated.

He said the irresponsible behavior of some drivers had cost many innocent lives.

Despite all government efforts, he lamented, the percentage of fatalities in traffic accidents continued to rise steadily.

"Reckless drivers endanger human lives... it is important to take stringent measures against any traffic violations," Soeharto said when opening the Ministry of Transportation's national workshop at the ministry's office.

"It is true that traffic accidents cannot be completely eradicated, but we can and we must reduce them especially if caused by human error," the president added.

According to Soeharto, 17,500 traffic accidents occurred in 1994, which claimed 11,000 victims. In 1995, the number of accidents dropped to 16,500, but the number of fatalities was similar to the previous year.

In 1996, almost 11,000 people were killed in 15,000 accidents. In the first five months of this year, the death toll reached 5,140.

"It means that almost 30 people are killed each day," Soeharto noted.

Soeharto's concern comes days after a weekend collision between an intercity bus and a dump truck on the outskirts of Jakarta that killed 35 people.

The driver of the bus was reportedly intoxicated.

"The high number of accidents is very worrisome. We are all obliged to enforce traffic safety," Soeharto said.

"All authorities must be firm in their actions. You don't really need to hold special operations (sweeps) every once and awhile, because that's only (effective) seasonally.

"What's more important is the firm against all forms of violations. All drivers must remember that the streets are public property and should be used for the benefit of all," the president contended.

Yesterday's ceremony was also attended by Vice President Try Sutrisno and his wife.

Accompanied by Try and minister Haryanto, the President also inaugurated a 25-story building as an addition to the ministry of transportation's main building.

Soeharto also presented awards to 70 regencies and mayoralties for their success in promoting and enforcing traffic discipline.

The recipients include Surabaya, East Java; Padang, West Sumatra; and Jayapura, Irian Jaya.

Speaking of the ministry's workshop which began yesterday, Soeharto said it was important to identify both the strong and weak points of transportation systems.

"It's not a matter of finding out who's right or who's wrong. Those things that are still lacking should be viewed clearly so they can be corrected," the President remarked. (prb)