Hundreds of Youth Participants of Illegal Racing in Malang Caught in Mass Crackdown

Kapanlagi.com - As many as 201 male teenagers and 6 females were detained at GOR Ken Arok, Malang City. Hundreds of participants of illegal racing were caught in a mass crackdown related to the spread of Covid-19.

The participants of illegal racing were gathered and asked to line up. They were documented and sprayed with disinfectant in the GOR Ken Arok courtyard. Afterwards, their motorcycles were transported by police trucks to the Malang City Police Headquarters.

"We remain consistent in dispersing crowds, gatherings that have a high potential to spread Covid-19. This afternoon, we have carried out the operation in several places. This evening, we enforced the law against illegal racing in front of GOR Ken Arok, Malang City," explained the Malang City Police Chief, Commissioner Pol Leonardus Simarmata, on Saturday (11/4) night.

1. Call Parents

Illegal racing participants caught in Malang (credit: Kapanlagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko)

A joint operation involving personnel from Malang City Police, Kodim 083, and Malang City Government took action against 207 individuals and 154 motorcycles. They were asked to make a statement before being returned to their respective parents.

The police also plan to call the parents of these children, but after the handling of Covid-19 is completed. These children were individually photographed and asked to make a statement that they will not repeat their actions.

"The action we took is law enforcement, we brought their vehicles to the office. Then we will call their parents, but after the situation is declared safe. We don't want to gather crowds anymore, which could create new potential. Today, we made a statement, took a photo, and returned it to their parents," he explained.

2. Still School Age

Street racing participants caught in Malang (credit: Kapanlagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko)

Leo said that those caught in the operation were mostly school-age, although some were already 22 years old. They were asked to study at home but instead sought activities outside the house. Therefore, the school will receive a copy of the police summons.

They were given a break from school with the hope that they could study at their respective homes under parental supervision. Because they are not allowed to leave the house due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

"We urge parents and the community to take care of and pay attention to children so that they do not leave the house at this time," he said.

3. Response from the Mayor of Malang

Participants of illegal racing caught in a raid in Malang (credit: Kapanlagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko)

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Malang, Sutiaji, who also came to the location, expressed his concern over the actions of the children. He asked the police and the Department of Education (Dikbud) to take firm action.

"I will check their schools, for junior high schools, I have instructed the Malang City Dikbud, and for high schools, I will immediately communicate with the provincial government so that there are strict sanctions for all," he said firmly.

Sutiaji was disappointed because when the country is in a difficult situation due to the Covid-19 situation, they openly seem to challenge the danger. Government warnings were ignored, even though the situation threatened the community.

"The front line to fight against Corona is the community. How can the chain of Corona be broken if the community does not want to practice social and physical distancing with discipline? It can be achieved if they do not engage in mass gatherings and instead do more activities at home," he said.

(kpl/dar/lou)