T

he new traffic law does not clearly define the government's responsibilities in providing public transportation, with governmental responsibility limited to giving out licenses to transportation companies, an expert said.

Transportation expert Rudy Tehamihardja said the new traffic law passed by parliament in May was almost the same as the 1992 transportation and traffic law and would not improve the already messy transportation situation.

He pointed out the law's appendix stated it was the government's responsibility to provide safe and comfortable public transportation and private companies could be included in the implementation.

"However, there's no article in the law that clearly states in what way the government would provide public transportation. In the revised law, the government only issue licenses for public transportation."

Tehamiharja said the government would not be accountable if they only issued licenses.

"And they would blame businesses for the traffic chaos."

The government's legal responsibilities include producing a general plan for traffic and transportation; traffic management; regulating technical requirements for motor vehicle to run; issuing public transportation licenses; developing communication and information systems for traffic and transportation infrastructure; human resource training; and investigating violations in public transportation licensing.

"There should be a public-private partnership that does not release the government from responsibility."

The government does not subsidize public transportation using public minivans and buses. A public-private partnership only exists for mass transportation such as the Transjakarta busway system.

Rudy also said the law was weak. He said when one thought about an integrated principle for transportation, one thought of integrated modes of transportation from public minivans, buses, to trains.

"However, in the law, they defined integrated principles not as integrated modes of transportation but as coordination between institutions."

Critics have lambasted the new traffic law for various reasons. It has been deemed to discriminate against disabled persons as they are required to wear signs to notify drivers of their physical condition.

Chairman of the Institute of Transportation Study (Instran) Darmaningtyas said the bill mainly accommodated private car users and did help public transportation users, disabled persons and pedestrians.

He said other countries prioritized pedestrians and non-motorists, followed by public transportation modes and logistical transport, and then private cars. However, in Indonesia private car owners are put on a higher pedestal.

The Indonesian Consumers Protection Foundation (YLKI) member Sudaryatmo also expressed disappointment with the law and doubted it would reduce traffic accidents as it still entrusted the police with the dual function of issuing driver's licenses and enforcing traffic law.