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.

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