Viral Video of Riau Islands DPRD Chairman Riding Big Bike Without Helmet: Safety Expert's Response
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — Not long ago, social media was once again abuzz with a video clip showing Iman Sutiawan, Chairman of the Riau Islands Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD Kepri), riding a large motorcycle (moge) on the public road.
It was not the majesty of the motorcycle that drew attention, but the absence of the most basic safety device worn by the official: a helmet.
In the video, Iman appears relaxed riding without head protection, a sight that immediately provoked sharp criticism from netizens.
Head of Safety Riding Promotion at Wahana, Agus Sani, asserts that awareness of riding safety should stem from a personal need to protect one’s life, not out of fear of authorities or mere aesthetics.
According to Agus, helmet use is not just to avoid fines or for style, but also serves as the primary protection for motorcyclists.
The irony arising from the viral video is the rider’s position as a public official who should represent the enforcement of laws and regulations. In the eyes of traffic law, every road user has equal standing in the obligation to maintain safety.
Agus added that there are no exceptions for anyone once they are holding the handlebars on public roads.
“So, whoever the rider is, whether ordinary citizens or public officials, they still have the same responsibility to comply with riding safety rules, because road safety does not discriminate based on position or status,” said Agus.
Furthermore, a public figure bears a moral burden as a role model for society. Even the smallest actions, including compliance in wearing standard (SNI) helmets, will be observed and potentially imitated by the wider public.
“In addition to protecting oneself, helmet use also serves as good educational example for other road users. Because, by wearing a helmet correctly and to standard, we contribute to building a culture of order and safety on the roads,” he stated.
The act of riding without a helmet, especially if done by a policymaker, is feared to erode the ongoing intensive efforts to socialise road safety.
A culture of traffic discipline should start from the top, in order to create a safe road ecosystem for everyone.