President Jokowi Likes 'Om Telolet Om' Phenomenon But Police Issue Warning

Police also Infected by the phenomenon of “Om Telolet Om”

Jakarta 25 Rabiul Awwal 1438/25 December 2016 (MINA) – The phenomenon of ‘Om Telolet Om’ which loosely translates to “Uncle, honk your horn, Uncle!” of people asking bus and lorry drivers to honk melodic tune was getting the reaction from President Joko Widodo.

Online media quoted the President of Indonesia, better known as Jokowi, who said the phenomenon was about the way people found entertainment in moderation and felt happy about it.

“(Om Telolet Om) is about simplicity, a pleasure, a joy of citizens to enjoy an entertainment or a hobby, and I think it is very good,” Bernama quoted the president as saying.

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The phenomenon that began in Indonesia was reported to have spread worldwide when the video clips featuring young people and children holding placards and roadside posts ‘Om Telolet Om’ which means “Uncle, honk your horn, Uncle!” went viral.

Jokowi said the phenomenon ‘Om Telolet Om’ was a testament to the power of social media influence in the world that a particular activity in one country can be emulated in other countries around the world.

However, the Indonesian Police Public Relations head Martinus Sitompul said, honking was to signal with sound and the ‘Om Telolet Om’ phenomenon has led the honk to be sounded for no reason, and the police would issue a warning if a driver was caught using rhythmic honk and would not hesisate to take legal action if they continued violating police orders.

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He said, according to Article 279 of the Law Traffic and Road Transportation Number 22 (2009), motorists who disrupted traffic safety can be sentenced to two months imprisonment and a fine not exceeding Rp 500,000 (RM167). (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)