In Jakarta, Indonesia, a growing movement of volunteers is taking to the streets to address the issue of “tire traps” that are causing havoc on busy roads. These tire traps consist of sharp metal pieces such as nails, threaded bolts, and scraps of umbrella frames that vandals intentionally scatter on main roads to damage the tires of vehicles.
What started as a small group of community members has turned into a larger initiative known as “Sapu Bersih,” or the Clean Sweep. Volunteers like Siswanto have been actively collecting metal debris for five years, with a total of 4 tons of nail traps collected from Jakarta and surrounding areas.
Many volunteers dedicate their time before or after work to pick up metal debris, contributing to the overall effort to keep the streets clean and safe. The city of Jakarta, with over 10 million residents, has seen a significant impact from these tire traps, prompting locals to take action.
Jakarta Traffic Police Chief Komarudin believes that the tire traps are strategically placed to force bikers to the side of the road with a flat tire, making them more vulnerable to crimes like robbery. Some locals even suspect that tire repair shops may be behind the traps, as metal debris has been found in close proximity to such establishments.
Motorbike taxi drivers like Pandu Dewanata have experienced the consequences of these tire traps firsthand, with multiple tires being damaged over the past year. Despite the suspicions surrounding the origins of the traps, police investigations have revealed that many of the metal objects are deliberately bent, indicating malicious intent.
As the community continues to come together to address this issue, the efforts of volunteers in Jakarta are making a significant impact in keeping the streets safe for all residents. Through initiatives like “Sapu Bersih,” locals are working towards a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
Source: The Associated Press
