Jakarta. Senior Indonesian officials are calling for restraint in the use of sirens and flashing strobe lights by public officials, as well as moderation in their personal lifestyles, after weeks of public outrage over disruptive motorcades and displays of excess.

Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Muhammad Qodari on Monday reminded state officials to act with humility, warning against both unnecessary use of sirens and “flexing” wealth when their salaries are funded by taxpayers.

“Public officials must use escorts wisely and follow the example of President Prabowo, who shows respect to other road users. The TNI (Indonesian Military) Commander General Agus Subiyanto also rarely uses strobes because he finds them disturbing and wants to set an example,” Qodari said at the Presidential Staff Office in Jakarta.

Qodari added that he himself has seldom used strobes or sirens, even when serving as deputy chief of staff. “Only under urgent conditions, such as catching a meeting, would I allow their use,” he said. He also stressed that officials should avoid ostentation: “Public servants must not live lavishly. State funds come from the people’s taxes. We cannot let the people suffer while officials enjoy themselves.”

His remarks came as the “Stop Tot, Tot, Wuk, Wuk” campaign -- a viral protest against siren abuse named after the onomatopoeic sound of the devices-- has gained traction online and in the streets.

Military leaders are also moving to rein in the practice. TNI Military Police Commander Yusri Nuryanto said internal guidelines are being tightened to restrict siren and strobe use to legally permitted purposes under the 2009 Traffic Law, such as ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, and official escorts. “Outside of these, their use is prohibited,” Yusri said, urging soldiers to follow the example of General Agus, who avoids the devices during official trips.

The push follows a major step by police last weekend. National Traffic Police Chief Agus Suryonugroho announced a temporary suspension of sirens and strobes for police escort vehicles, citing mounting public frustration over their disruptive use in congested cities. “We have frozen their use for now because they disturb the public, especially during heavy traffic,” he said.

Authorities are now reviewing broader rules on when sirens and strobes should be allowed. “We are carefully evaluating the policy,” Agus added.

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