Police to Take Legal Action on `Om Telolet Om` Horn Hunters
22 December 2016 20:50 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Local phenomenon “Om telolet om” continues to become a trending topic. This phrase, which literally means “Sir, honk your horn, sir”, represents a custom that has been being practiced by people living along the North Coast, Brebes, Tegal, and Pemalang. They usually stand at the side of the road shouting at bus drivers, asking them to honk their bus horns.
Traffic Director of Central Java Police, Comr. Herukoco, stated that these honk hunters need to be disciplined. Not only do they disrupt the traffic flow, it is also dangerous for road users and the honk hunters themselves.
“It needs to be disciplined, either the public or the use of such horns,” he said.
Herukoco added that currently there is no ban on the use of such air horns. The Government Regulation No. 55/2012 on Vehicles only regulates noise levels. “Up to today, there is no ban. It [the regulation] doesn’t specify how it should sound,” he added.
However, as the phenomenon goes viral, police urge the publics to not conduct any form of activity that may endanger themselves. He also asks the telolet horn hunters to stop gather on the roads. “It disrupts traffic flow, creating traffic jams.”
To avoid any danger, the police are currently conducting a routine patrol to secure the telolet hunter's actions. The institution will be placed the personnel at some spots such as at bus terminals, road intersections, and other locations.
“[Although] we understand that they’re hunting the honks only for the sake of entertainment,” Herukoco said.
MUHAMMAD IRSYAM FAIZ