'3-in-1' not in effect this week

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Tue, 10/16/2007 10:59 AM | Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Motorists in Jakarta can enjoy driving freely along the city's main streets this week as the ""three-in-one"" traffic regulation will not be put into effect.

""The three-in-one (regulation) will not be in effect during the collective leave period, which is from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19. It will take effect again next Monday,"" the police's subdirectory head of law enforcement, Adj. Sr. Comr. Agus Susanto, told reporters Monday.

""The regulation won't be in effect (this week) because most offices will be closed until next week. Besides, the number of vehicles (in the city) has drastically dropped.

""It's useless if we insist on applying the three-in-one (regulation) this week,"" Agus said.

A foreign bank employee, Christ Martin, said he would definitely drive along Jl. Jend. Sudirman on his way to work Wednesday.

The resident of Slipi, West Jakarta, said he usually went through Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta to get to his office, which is located on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, to avoid the three-in-one regulation.

""Who wants to drive through Tanah Abang if you can go directly along Jl. Jend. Sudirman?"" he asked.

The three-in-one traffic regulation was introduced to limit the number of cars on Jl. Sudirman, Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Gatot Subroto during peak hours. Under the rule, a vehicle must be carrying at least three passengers in order to use the roads between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Although the roads will be emptier during the collective leave period, Agus asked vehicle users to drive safely and obey the traffic signs.

""Even if the streets are empty, it doesn't mean people may drive at excessive speeds.

""It's dangerous for the driver and other people,"" he said.

While the temporary leniency is music to most motorists' ears, it has been a nightmare for three-in-one jockeys, who offer their services to pose as car passengers in exchange for a small tip.

Most jockeys usually earn between Rp 20,000 (US$2.2) and Rp 30,000 per day for a few hours of work; even bringing home more than Rp 50,000 on a lucky day.

On regular days, jockeys can be found near road intersections heading to the restricted zone, such as near the Slipi intersection in West Jakarta, Senayan traffic lights in South Jakarta and close to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta.

Three-in-one jockeys are normally paid between Rp 5,000 and Rp 10,000 per trip. (08)

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