DENPASAR ~

Bali Regional Police stated that the socialization of using helmet for Balinese people who wear traditional cloth when they want to pray, is an appeal and there will be no sanction.

“We are very aware of the situation in Bali when carrying out prayers, therefore, they should be more careful,” said Dirlantas (traffic department) of Bali Police, Commissioner Pol I Wayan Sunartha in a meeting with officials of DPRD-Bali, Denpasar, on Monday.

According to him, the socialization of the use of helmet that was previously submitted by Bali police chief to the Balinese people wearing traditional cloth, because the police chief of Bali is very concern to the public safety in traffic, especially the motorcycle rider.

“From our data, the number of accidents is quite high and the  death rate is also quite high,” he said.

Sunartha added, if people only use “udeng” (head cloth), it would be very risky for the head if there’s collision if an accident happen. “Therefore, we expect the public to be careful on the road,” he said.

Bali Regional Police, he added, is very familiar with the characteristic on the island, so it had been delivered to the police officers not to take action when there are people who are not wearing helmet while wearing traditional clothes.

Sunartha asserted if there are police act against the riders dressed in traditional cloth, it is done if there are violations and can harm themselves as well as others.

Meanwhile, Chairman of  Hindu Association of Indonesia (PHDI) of Bali Dr. I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana expected no conflict between the communities and the police because of the issue.

He admitted that it indeed dangerous if not wearing a helmet. According to him, if the distance covered while praying less than 10 kilometers, he expected the police can give permission for not wearing a helmet.

Meanwhile, the member of Bali Parliament Nyoman Parta agree that Balinese are invited to be more discipline on the road, but police should not be sensitive by requiring the use of a helmet while dressed in traditional cloth.

“Udeng has a philosophical and religious significance, so it should not be generalized in traffic regulations that ultimately create intricate atmosphere. Moreover the function of udeng is not like a hat,” he said.