Commission III Of The House Of Representatives Asks Police To Act On Sirine And Strobo Lights Users Not In Accordance With The Rules

Astrobo lights other than in ambulances are often used by motorbikes to cars to penetrate congestion. (Pexels-Selvin Esteban)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the DPR, Hasbiallah Ilyas responded to a viral video related to a civilian car blocking a car using astrobe light to unravel congestion. The virality of this video was followed by the phenomenon of 'tot tot wuk wuk' as a movement to criticize the misuse of sirens in vehicles other than ambulances and firefighters.

Hasbiallah emphasized that the abuse of these facilities should be a serious concern for the police because it involves public safety and traffic order.

"The use of sirens and strobos already has rules, it can't be arbitrary. Only certain vehicles that get priority in an emergency are allowed to use them. The police must take firm action against motorists who violate this rule," Hasbiallah told reporters, Friday, September 19.

Hasbi explained, in Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation, the use of signal lights and sirens is limited to certain vehicles, including ambulances, hearses, fire engines, escort vehicles, and law enforcement vehicles that are carrying out their duties. Apart from that, said Hasbi, the use of sirens and strobos is considered a violation of the law that can be subject to sanctions.

"If there are ordinary people, certain groups, or even officials who have no right but force themselves to use sirens and strobos, it is clearly against the law. Police do not hesitate to impose sanctions, because this rule is made for the sake of mutual safety," he said.

According to the PKB legislator from the Jakarta I electoral district, arbitrary actions on the highway, including the use of strobos and illegal sirens, have the potential to cause public unrest. Not infrequently, it makes other road users feel disturbed, even triggering accidents due to motorist maneuvers that feel they have priority on the road.

Hasbi also highlighted the phenomenon of increasing the use of strobes and sirens by private vehicles, and certain individuals who are not state officials. He assessed that the omission of this practice could foster an arrogant culture on the road, which contradicts the spirit of traffic order.

"Don't let the highway only become a stage of arrogance for a handful of people. The road belongs to each other, and we all have the same right to use it in an orderly and safe manner," he said.

For this reason, Hasbi encouraged the police to tighten supervision, increase raids, as well as increase education to the public about the rules for the use of vehicle equipment. He assessed that, in addition to law enforcement, persuasive approaches through regulatory socialization are also important.

If people understand the rules, they will respect the rights of other road users more. But if there are still violations, of course there must be action so that there is a deterrent effect," concluded Hasbi.