The National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas) has temporarily suspended the use of sirens and flashing rotators popularly known among the general public as “Tot Tot Wuk Wuk” following mounting public criticism over their excessive use by government convoys. 

Korlantas chief Inspector Geneneral Agus Suryonugroho said on Saturday, September 20, 2025, that the measure was part of a comprehensive review to prevent misuse.

“We have stopped the use of these sounds temporarily, while conducting a thorough evaluation,” he told reporters.

Agus clarified that security escorts for state officials would continue, but the use of sirens would be restricted only to urgent circumstances.

“If used, sirens should be for very specific purposes, not arbitrarily. For now, we are advising not to use them unless absolutely necessary,” he said.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi echoed the call for restraint, urging officials not to abuse their privilege on the road.

“We have issued a circular to all state officials reminding them to respect propriety and public order when using these facilities,” Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace complex on Friday, September 19, 2025.

He cited President Prabowo Subianto as an example, saying the President often chose not to activate sirens or rotators, even when stuck in traffic.

“The President himself frequently endures traffic jams and stops at red lights when there is no urgent state duty. That is the example being set,” Prasetyo said.

Korlantas has pledged to finalize revised guidelines to ensure sirens are only used by authorized officials, and only in situations where urgency justifies disrupting traffic flow.

Legal basis

The decision came after weeks of debate over the use of sirens by convoys. While Indonesian traffic law, Law No. 22/2009 on Road Traffic and Transport, grants priority to certain state officials and vehicles, critics say the practice is often disproportionate, disturbing other road users and reinforcing perceptions of privilege.

Ferdinandus S. Nggao, a social policy observer at the University of Indonesia, said the backlash should be read as a form of social control rather than outright rejection of the law.

“Public criticism should be taken as constructive feedback. Sirens and escorts should only be used for urgent state duties or emergencies, not for personal convenience or routine activities,” Ferdinandus told Indonesia Business Post on Monday, September 22, 2025.

He added that public trust in government would improve if rules were applied proportionally. “Balance must be maintained between protocol needs and citizens’ rights on the road,” he said.

Authorities also noted that sirens are sometimes misused by non-officials, compounding public frustration. “What must be corrected is the use of sirens by those who are not entitled to them,” Ferdinandus said.