/ 16 March 2005

Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s a flying policeman

A new police motorcycle squad has been formed in the Indonesian capital Jakarta to patrol the city’s mean streets during the week and perform circus-style stunts to entertain the public over the weekends.

The 25-man squad, kitted out with Harley-Davidson bikes, is expected to combine duties policing Jakarta’s notorious traffic with displays of motorcycle prowess such as standing on the saddle, riding in formation and slaloms.

”On Saturdays and Sundays, police personnel driving the Harley-Davidsons will also provide entertainment for people and street users in places that are not too busy,” Jakarta police chief Firman Gani said.

Gani was speaking at the inauguration of the new squad, which featured a display of the team’s unorthodox motorcycle skills. – Sapa-AFP