A 5-year-old child tragically lost his life at Merak Harbour, Banten, on Sunday, 17th March 2024, after being struck by a Sinar Dempo bus. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM local time when the child approached the bus driver, requesting to hear the ‘Telolet’ horn.
As the bus was entering the executive pier at Merak Harbour, the child chased after it on the left side. Unfortunately, the bus turned, hitting the child’s leg, resulting in his death at the scene. The victim was then transported to Krakatau Medika Cilegon for further procedures.
Eyewitnesses at the scene, named Pendi, reported that the victim and his friends were requesting the bus to sound the ‘Telolet’ horn as it entered the parking area of the Merak Harbour Executive Pier. This is a common activity undertaken by children in the vicinity of the port daily.
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The bus driver, initials TJ (33 years old), has been apprehended by the Cilegon Police for further investigation. AKP Sigit Dermawan, Head of the Public Relations Section of the Cilegon Police, stated that the police are currently conducting inquiries into this tragic incident.
For Indonesians, the ‘Telolet’ horn found on large vehicles like buses and trucks is a source of street-side entertainment. People of all ages, from children to adults, enjoy the unique and melodic sound it produces, which sets it apart from the standard horns commonly heard on vehicles.
The ‘Telolet’ horn typically emits a tone or short melody that has gained viral popularity for a while. However, in some Indonesian cities, local authorities have banned the ‘Telolet’ horn due to concerns that it distracts other drivers on the road.
Regulations concerning bus horns are outlined in Article 285 Paragraph 2 Number 22 of the 2009 Road Traffic and Transportation Law (LLAJ). Bus drivers who still choose to use the ‘Telolet’ horn despite these regulations risk facing a fine of IDR 500,000.
However, despite the legal repercussions, the trend of requesting the ‘Telolet’ horn has resurfaced among Indonesian children. Typically, they gather along roads frequented by buses or trucks, hoping to hear the distinctive sound.
Following the tragic incident at Merak Harbour where a child lost their life while requesting the ‘Telolet’ horn, it is crucial for parents to actively educate their children about the risks involved. Besides being a nuisance to other drivers, this trend poses significant dangers to children who may neglect road safety in their excitement.
