The Minister of Transportation – E..E. Mangindaan – was the spokesman on International Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims held in Jakarta on Friday, 18 ^th November.

“I was shocked and touched to see that road accidents video” said the politician from the Democrat Party in a sad tone. And he said a prayer “Dear God, please give us strength to prevent more traffic accidents. There are enough that happened lately. I hope we won’t be involved in one and I hope that we share a mutual understanding of road safety”.

Those prayers and sadness are insufficient. Real action is required. The government as the most responsible party for road safety should act immediately, using its power funded from people’s money through tax. There must be a sufficient amount taken from National Budget (APBN) to overcome the road safety problems in Indonesia. “Government and mass media has given small amount of attention for road accidents compared to airplane accidents” said the narrator of the video which was aired before the Minister’s speech.

In 2010, the total number of dead victims reached 31,234 persons.

The Minister said: “Now is not the time to seek for someone’s mistake, now it’s time to act. The five pillars must be implemented. I want to be serious on road safety matters”.

The Minister also said that road accident should have been prevented. He sarcastically mentioned the vehicle owners “Does your vehicle met the safety standards? Lots of intrigue happens between vehicle investigator and vehicle owners. Such false activity should be taken into account for punishment”.

Rio Octaviano, head of Road Safety Association (RSA) a non-profit organization advocating for road safety said to the Minister after his speech. “Please open a forum with the people Sir..! Lots of things you need to know”

While Rio tried to emphasize the importance of a dialogue from grass root, the Minister only said “Let’s arrange the time, I have another importance”.

This ceremonial event was closed by the release of 86 white balloons by the Minister, Vice Minister and several Officers, including those from National Police. In front of them a Road Safety dance was demonstrated by teenagers.