Jakarta, LiterasHukumCom - The widespread “Stop Tot Tot Wuk Wuk” movement on social media triggered a decision by the National Police Traffic Corps to temporarily freeze the use of sirens and strobe lights on officials' vehicles on the highway. This response is seen as a sign of increasing public sensitivity to the privileges and behavior of officials in public spaces.

Netizens' Movement Highlights Officials' Convoys

Netizens' criticism assesses that the use of sirens and strobe lights—called “tot tot wuk wuk”—often disturbs, even endangers other road users. Videos of convoys of ministry/institution officials' vehicles are widely circulating, accompanied by the installation of “Stop Tot Tot Wuk Wuk” stickers on public vehicles. The public also remembers the January 2025 case that highlighted the arrogant attitude of the traffic police towards vehicles with license plates RI 36.

The Palace: Maintain Propriety, Don't Overdo It

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that public officials are obliged to maintain propriety and not overuse sirens/strobe lights. He cited President Prabowo Subianto, who is said to not always use sirens and still follows traffic rules when it is not an emergency.

Korlantas: Stop Temporarily, Conduct an Evaluation

Head of the National Police Traffic Corps, Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, stated that the use of siren sounds and strobe lights was temporarily stopped for a thorough evaluation. Escorts continue, but the use of sirens/strobe lights is limited to priority situations. For traffic patrols, use is still possible as long as security and order are prioritized.

Referring to Articles 134–135 of Law 22/2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation, the main rights to use signal lights (strobe lights) red/blue and sirens are given to:

  • firefighters, ambulances and accident rescue vehicles;
  • escorting leaders of state institutions, state guests and certain convoys;
  • funeral escorts and convoys according to the consideration of the Police officers.

Analyst: Public is Increasingly Sensitive to Elite Behavior

CSIS researcher Nicky Fahrizal assesses that public sensitivity to officials' privileges is increasing, not only regarding sirens/strobe lights, but also luxury lifestyles to the issue of officials' income which triggered demonstrations in late August–early September. He appreciated the temporary freezing, but emphasized consistency in enforcement: rules should not only be strict when the spotlight is high, then slack when attention subsides.

Calls for Consistency and Strict Order

Nicky encourages rigid and non-discriminatory enforcement: who has the right to use sirens/strobe lights and for what purpose must be clear. The highway is a public space, and officials who pass by are financed by taxes; therefore accountability and exemplary behavior need to be prioritized.

News source: Kompas — “Gerakan ‘Stop Tot Tot Wuk Wuk’ dan Sensitivitas Publik pada Perilaku Elite,” 21 September 2025, 15.12 WIB.