Punishment Threat for Calya Driver Causing Accident in Pekanbaru

KatadataOTO – A tragic accident occurred again on Wednesday (1/1). This time it involved a Toyota Calya car and a motorcycle in Pekanbaru, Riau.

The incident occurred on Jalan Hangtuah, Tenayan Raya District, Pekanbaru City at 06:30 AM WIB. The four-wheeled vehicle was traveling at high speed.

However, the car suddenly swerved to the right and hit a Honda Beat coming from the opposite direction. As a result, a family of three died.

Afrianti (42) and Aditia Aprilio Anjani (10) lost their lives at the scene. Meanwhile, Anton Sujarwo (38) was rushed to the nearest hospital, but ultimately passed away.

Photo : Antara

According to the police, the Toyota Calya that caused the incident was driven by a man with a female passenger. They have been secured by the authorities.

“We have secured both of them and they are undergoing further examination. Based on preliminary information, they had visited a nightclub before the incident,” said Police Commissioner Alvin Agung Wibawa, Head of the Pekanbaru City Police Traffic Unit, to Antara.

Alvin stated that based on urine tests, both perpetrators tested positive for drugs, specifically methamphetamine. They used the illicit substance after celebrating New Year's Eve.

The victim's family has demanded that Antoni Romansyah (44), the driver of the Toyota Calya, be punished to the fullest extent of the law for his actions.

On the other hand, several parties have spoken out about this accident in Pekanbaru. It is said that the perpetrator could be charged under several articles.

“The element of negligence does not apply to this accident. By consuming drugs and alcohol, one is fully aware of the risks involved in driving a vehicle,” said Budiyanto, a transportation and legal observer, when contacted by KatadataOTO.

Budi explained that the perpetrator cannot be charged under Article 310 of Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning LLAJ (Traffic and Road Transportation).

Instead, they should be sentenced according to Article 311 paragraphs (4) and (5) of Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning LLAJ.

Photo : Unsplash

The aforementioned article explains that anyone who drives a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers lives or property, specifically due to the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

If their actions result in an accident and fatalities, the potential penalty is a maximum of 12 years in prison and a maximum fine of IDR 24 million.

“Then, the passenger along with the driver can also be charged under Article 127 or 128 of the Narcotics Law, with a potential penalty of four years in prison and a fine of IDR 800 million,” Budiyanto concluded.