Polri temporarily freezes sirens and rotators.

The Indonesian National Police announced a new policy that shocked the public. Korlantas has decided to temporarily suspend the use of sirens and rotating lights across all regions. This step has been taken to evaluate governance and prevent abuse that frequently leads to public complaints. The official announcement was delivered by the Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps Chief, Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, on September 20, 2025, and immediately drew national media attention.

This decision directly impacts official vehicles and various agencies that commonly use sirens and rotating beacons. However, Polri emphasizes that the escort service does not stop. Escort operations continue as needed, but the use of sirens and rotators has been temporarily halted while awaiting a comprehensive evaluation.

Grounds for freezing and the legal basis.

The Indonesian National Police cited the large number of public complaints about the noise and the use of sirens, which are considered disproportionate, as the main reason. This evaluation refers to Law Number 22 of 2009 on Traffic and Road Transportation. Article 59 clearly regulates the use of signal lights and sirens, including their colors and designated purposes. Blue with a siren is for Polri vehicles only, while red is designated for firefighters, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles.

In addition, Government Regulation No. 55 of 2012 on Vehicles provides a mandate to Polri to establish technical regulations. Through this new policy, Korlantas reiterates its commitment to maintaining traffic order and the safety of road users. With a temporary freeze, the Indonesian National Police wants to ensure that only authorized parties can use the device.

Public criticism so far has been quite sharp. Many drivers complain because sirens are used in non-emergency situations. Some cases also show private vehicles installing rotators without authorization. This condition creates confusion on the road and triggers unrest. Therefore, the Indonesian National Police view a comprehensive evaluation as the right step.

Impact and reactions of various parties.

Transportation observers view this policy as a progressive step. According to them, a rearrangement of the use of sirens and rotating lights will reduce abuse and improve traffic discipline. The Association of Public Transport Drivers welcomes this policy because they have long felt that they are often disturbed by the sound of sirens that are not appropriate.

On the other hand, some quarters fear that this policy would actually slow the emergency response. However, the Indonesian National Police emphasizes that priority vehicles still have the right to use sirens. Firefighting vehicles, ambulances, hearses, and emergency vehicles shall have the right of way in accordance with the law. That means emergency services to the public will not be disrupted.

The general public began to feel changes on the roads after this policy was implemented. Some road users say the traffic situation is calmer because the number of vehicles using sirens has declined drastically. This fosters the hope that further arrangements will strengthen order.

Law enforcement and the future of regulation

The Indonesian National Police emphasizes that this freeze is not merely a temporary ban. The ongoing evaluation will yield new technical guidelines regarding the use of sirens and rotators. The regulation will specify all the situations in which use is allowed, and provide stricter licensing controls.

Strict sanctions also await those who violate. Based on Article 287 paragraph 4 of Law Number 22 of 2009, drivers who violate the regulations on sirens and warning lights may be subjected to imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to two hundred fifty thousand rupiahs. The traffic authorities have already begun cracking down on private vehicles that install rotators without authorization in several areas.

Going forward, Korlantas is committed to strengthening public communication through outreach. The public will be given an explanation of when sirens and rotators may be used, and when they should be avoided. The goal is to prevent any further abuse that causes unrest. Transparency is the key to ensuring that the new rules can be complied with by all parties.

This restructuring is also seen as an opportunity to increase public trust in the Indonesian National Police. By limiting the use of sirens and rotating lights, the Indonesian National Police demonstrates a commitment to maintaining order and equality on the roads.

Ultimately, this temporary freezing policy is not merely a matter of traffic technicalities. This step reflects Polri's serious efforts to improve its image, listen to the public's voice, and enforce the law fairly. The ongoing evaluation will determine the new face of governance for sirens and rotators in Indonesia.

This policy remains a hot topic of discussion. The public is waiting for the results of the evaluation and the new technical regulations promised by the Indonesian National Police. Whatever the outcome may be, this decision marks an important milestone in the development of traffic law in Indonesia.

The arrangement of regulations governing sirens and rotators is expected to bring about a lasting positive impact. The public has high hopes that Polri will consistently enforce the law in accordance with the legal framework. The safety and comfort of everyone must always be the top priority.