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Jakarta Post

Agency, police to introduce standardized helmets

Despite clear stipulations in the 2009 Traffic Law for motorcyclists to use standardized helmets by April 1 this year, the authorities are waiving enforcing the law and instead running an awareness campaign

Hasyim Widhiarto (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Thu, April 1, 2010

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Agency, police to introduce standardized helmets

D

espite clear stipulations in the 2009 Traffic Law for motorcyclists to use standardized helmets by April 1 this year, the authorities are waiving enforcing the law and instead running an awareness campaign.

To mark the first day of the regulation taking effect, the National Standardization Agency, the Jakarta Police’s traffic division and the Indonesian Helmet Manufacturers Association will hold an event at Senayan sports complex in Central Jakarta

They plan to invite biking communities from Jakarta, Bandung in West Java and Serang in Banten to the event, aimed at raising public awareness about the mandatory use of standardized helmets.
“There won’t be any raids on motorcyclists flouting the law,” Dewi Odjar Ratna Komala, the agency’s deputy chairwoman for information, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

“We just want to ensure more people know about the regulation and also understand the specifications of standardized helmets.”

Thursday’s event will include a trade-in program where people can hand over their old helmet plus Rp 75,000 (US$8.25) for one of 500 new, regulation helmets.

The traffic police’s law enforcement unit chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Johansson Ronald Simamora, said it could take up to three months before the police saw fit to begin ticketing violators.

“In Jakarta, the problem isn’t just about how well-informed the public is about the regulation,” he said.

“If, for instance, we ticket a low-income resident for not using a standardized helmet that he probably couldn’t afford in the first place, that wouldn’t serve anyone’s interests.

“So it’s important for the police and for motorcyclists to first get an understanding of what types of helmet are acceptable and what types aren’t.”

In 2007, the standardization agency presented its final specifications for motorcycle helmets, which it said was aimed at improving safety standards for users and at helping local helmet manufacturers compete with foreign brands.

The standards specify that a conforming helmet be made from a non-metallic material, be waterproof, be able to protect all parts of the head, including the jaw, and be equipped with a soft, thick padding to buffer shocks resulting from impacts.

The agency also stipulates the helmet must have no sharp edges.

Under the 2009 Traffic Law, motorcyclists must wear a standardized helmet as of the start of April
2010. Failure to comply is punishable with one month in prison or a Rp 250,000 fine.

The standardization agency’s Dewi said regulation helmets currently retailed for between
Rp 80,000 and Rp 1 million.

“There should be no reason for anyone not to get one, seeing as how affordable they are,” she added.

Motorcyclist and recent university graduate Aang Djatnika said he had learned about the new regulation last year.

“Since then, though, I’ve only purchased one standardized helmet,” he said.

“Perhaps I’ll buy another one this weekend so I can carry a passenger safely.”

In 2009, 1,700 people were killed in traffic accidents in Jakarta, 70 percent of them motorcyclists.

Most died from severe cranial injuries.

There are currently eight major helmet manufacturers and 52 smaller helmet makers registered to produce standardized helmets.

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