VP Kalla crashes Car Free Day

Tifa Asrianti ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 04/28/2008 11:42 AM  |  Headlines

The Jakarta administration plans to question Vice President Jusuf Kalla and his security detail after they violated the city's Car Free Day program on Sunday.

Head of the Jakarta Environmental Management Board (BPLHD) Budirama Natakusumah said the program applied to everyone, including the Vice President.

"I will search for information on the matter. I have yet to issue any reprimands," Budirama told The Jakarta Post.

On Sunday morning, Kalla participated in a fun walk from the National Monument to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day.

As the Vice President walked along Jl. Thamrin, he was trailed by his security detail in their cars.

The street was supposed to be closed to all private vehicles as part of Car Free Day, and the thoroughfare was filled with people jogging and playing.

After reaching the Nikko Hotel, Kalla got into his car and was whisked off down Jl. Imam Bonjol toward his residence.

"I don't know if he was taking a walk in the area. However, I'm sure he didn't mean to break the regulation. Perhaps it's because of his poor health," Budirama said.

He said his office had yet to establish sanctions for cars that violated Car Free Day, adding that it was focused more on educating residents about the program.

To improve the city's air quality, the administration holds a Car Free Day along Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta, and in Old Town, West Jakarta, on the fourth Sunday of every month, between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. During that time, private vehicles are not allowed to enter these areas.

The administration plans to expand the program in July to Jl. Wijaya in South Jakarta, Jl. Danau Sunter in North Jakarta and Jl. Pemuda to Jl. Pramuka in East Jakarta.

"When we launch the program in all five municipalities, we'll think about punishments for violators," Budirama said.

A spokesman for the Vice Presidential Office, Muchlish Hasyim, said the Vice President and his security detail were aware of the program.

He said, however, that according to presidential protocol, the president, vice president and state guests can use any road if considered necessary.

"The Vice President should be preceded by fore riders, police patrol cars and motorcycles as well as military police," he said, adding that Kalla could also use the emergency lane on toll roads.

"We must put his security above all. During the Car Free Day, all roads are closed and safe, but the buildings have yet to be sterilized. The security detail brought their security equipment including snipers to anticipate the worst," Muchlish said.

He also said that Kalla's decision to walk along the street was spontaneous, so his security team was not properly equipped to walk with him.

Muchlish said next time the Vice President and his security would not mind leaving their cars behind and joining in the Car Free Day.

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