Police: Wild Racing Can Take Life, Highways Are Not Circuits!

Head of Korlantas (Kakorlantas) Polri Inspector General Pol. Agus Suryonugroho. (ANTARA/HO-Division of Police Public Relations)

JAKARTA - The Traffic Corps (Korlantas) of the National Police said that controlling illegal racing in various regions is not just an act of law enforcement, but aims to save the younger generation.

Head of Korlantas (Kakorlantas) Polri Inspector General Pol. Agus Suryonugroho emphasized that roads are not racing arenas and reckless actions can threaten the lives of perpetrators and users of other roads.

"Control of illegal racing is not to kill young people's hobbies, but to protect them from the risk of accidents and the future which is threatened by dangerous behavior on the highway," he said in Jakarta, Friday, November 7.

Agus assessed that so far many perpetrators of illegal racing from teenagers have a big interest in the automotive world. However, it does not yet have the right distribution platform.

Korlantas also prioritizes coaching and education as part of law enforcement. Each field operation will be accompanied by dialogue with the motorcycle community, fostering teenagers involved, and social activities that build awareness.

"We want the perpetrators to realize that illegal racing is not only against the rules, but can also take their own lives. Therefore, coaching is the main step before taking action," said Agus.

Korlantas has also prepared several concrete steps to channel youth automotive hobbies in a positive direction, including the 'Safety Riding Goes to School and Goes to Campus' program to build a driving safety culture from an early age.

Then, Korlantas will cooperate with the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) and local governments to present a safe and controlled official racing event or street race.

In addition, Korlantas will also provide modified training and legal mechanics for the young automotive community so that their creativity is channeled into the professional field.

Agus hopes that this approach will be able to change the mindset of illegal racing actors to be more aware of the law and responsible on the highway.

"We want the younger generation to be proud because they excel, not because they are reckless on the road. Safety is a real victory," he said.