The Government of Jakarta has agreed to legalize street races as a solution to traffic accident issues.
According to Tempo, Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has approved the policy presented by the Jakarta Police Traffic Directorate to permit drag racing. The governor believed that legal racing can lessen the number of traffic mishaps.
Speaking to Tempo at the City Hall, Ahok rationalized that the legalization will impose supervising the street races. Specific schedules and places will be decided for such events.
"It would be dangerous if street races are held on public roads. It would be better if street races are legalized," he added.
The decision is favored by Jakarta Police traffic director Sr. Comr. Risyapudin. The police department will coordinate with Indonesian Motorcycle Association (IMI) to legalize street races. Also, there will be a body to serve as forum for street racers. In fact, there will be a scheduled race this February in several race spots, the source confirmed.
The city is in discussions of considering Benyamin Sueb in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta; Jalan Asia Afrika in Senayan, South Jakarta; and in front of the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah complex in East Jakarta as venue for the competitions. These spots are well-liked because of the flat surface and few bends and turns, Jakarta Globe pointed out.
Ahok directed the Jakarta police to put up safety barriers and off-limits sign on streets known as drag racing hot spot.
The decision stemmed from several tragic accidents due to racing. In November 2015, a tragic accident happened when a Lamborghini raced against a Ferrari and lost control hitting a couple and another man on the Manyar-Kertoarjo road, as reported by The Jakarta Post.
Killed was Kuswanto (51) while his wife Srikanti (41) and Mujianto sustained serious injuries. The police arrested the driver of the Lamborghini, Wiyang Lautner (24), according to the report.
