Traffic police during flood

Traffic police during flood

From Merdeka

When many parts of Jakarta were inundated by incessant rains
over the weekend, traffic personnel both from the police and the
city land transportation agency (DLLAJR) were strikingly absent
to regulate the traffic. They were also sorely missed as they
could have informed road users of flooded areas.

Consequently, irresponsible people harassed hapless passers-by
in areas where traffic slowed down or came to a standstill due to
the high water. On Jl. Daan Mogot in West Jakarta buses got water
showered on them by the pailful and stones thrown at them. Other
people even waylaid certain streets by putting wooden benches
across telling motorists that the area was closed due to deep
flood water. But the benches were removed as soon as money
changed hands. The same treatment was accorded to motorcycle
taxis (ojeg).

This is valuable experience to avoid the recurrence of such
situations. The related traffic agencies should instruct their
personnel to continue safeguarding areas with heavy traffic, also
during floods.

Name and address

known to the Editor