Tadjus calls for delay of sticker system

JAKARTA (JP): The head of Golkar's Jakarta chapter, Tadjus Sobirin, has urged the city administration to postpone the implementation of the sticker system designed to replace the three-in-one traffic regulation.

Tadjus said on Tuesday the sticker system's implementation should be delayed because it would add to the burden of motorists during the economic crisis.

He said the system should be started after the crisis was over. "Even if the crisis ends in two years, just wait until it's over," he said.

"I think the administration should first think about the people. Don't add more burdens to those who are already suffering from the rise in the prices of foodstuffs and other materials," he said.

The city has scheduled a test trial of the system from August to November. The sticker system is set to replace the three-in- one regulation, which is considered ineffective.

Under the new system, motorists passing through the current three-in-one zones -- Jl. Thamrin, Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Gatot Subroto -- would be required to display valid stickers on their windshields during working days between 7:30 a..m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Stickers will be sold for single entry, one day unlimited entry and one month unlimited entry.

Governor Sutiyoso said yesterday it would be impossible for the administration to wait for the approval from the city's 10 million citizens on the implementation of the new policy.

"I hope people will not to be too suspicious of the administration as a result of the sticker sales because revenue will be used to improve public transportation fleets," he said.

Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi, who chaired a special team on the sticker system, said yesterday the city was studying the possibility of establishing a management board for the new system. (ind)