The Indonesian National Private Radio Association (PRSSNI) Jakarta has said that if the Jakarta Police ticket motorists who listen to the radio while driving, then it would significantly harm the radio business.

Association board member Anton Wahyudi said on Friday that the number of commuters who listened to the radio while driving was quite large.

“[Enforcing] the regulation will harm the competitiveness of radio [versus other media],” said Anton, adding that there are at least 40 radio stations in the city.

Meanwhile, he argued that some information spread through the radio could help motorists, as the majority of radio stations in the capital also broadcast information about traffic.

“In reporting traffic conditions, we collaborate with toll road operator Jasa Marga and the traffic police,” Anton added.

The Jakarta Police traffic division has stated that listening to the radio or music while driving is a crime as it violates Article 106 of Law No. 22/2009 on traffic and land transportation, which stipulates that motorists must drive with full concentration.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Budiyanto claimed that listening to music or the radio while driving can disrupt one’s concentration.