rguing that voluntary traffic attendants, popularly known as Pak Ogah, worsen traffic congestion, the Bekasi administration has planned to remove them from all main roads in the West Java city.
“The police-made traffic plan cannot be implemented because of Pak Ogah,” said Bekasi Transportation Agency head Yayan Yuliana on Tuesday, referring to volunteers who direct traffic at busy intersections.
Yayan said the police had come up with a traffic plan to reduce congestion on main roads in the city, citing a location in which vehicles made U-turns on Jl. Ahmad Yani and the street in front of Mitra Keluarga Hospital, West Bekasi, as areas that required traffic management.
However, Pak Ogah, he argued, would direct traffic that went against the rules of the road.
“This will create congestion points, even though we already provide another U-turn,” said Yayan.
Yayan noted that almost all main roads were attended by at least one voluntary traffic attendant.
The Bekasi administration was considering permanently planting a road barrier to enforce the traffic plan.
Yayan said he would cooperate with the Bekasi Police to resolve the situation.
“We will still tolerate them if they operate on narrow streets,” he said.
Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr. Indarto said he welcomed the plan.
“We will support the plan. Pak Ogah will also be dealt with accordingly if they are caught violating the regulations,” he said. (gis)
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