Drunk Driver Charged After Fatal Pekanbaru Crash Kills Family
A 44-year-old man, Antoni Romansah, has been arrested and charged in connection with a horrific car crash in Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia, that killed a family of three. The incident, which occurred on January 1, 2025, left a community reeling and highlighted the devastating consequences of drunk and drugged driving.
According to Pekanbaru Police Traffic Unit Head, Commissioner Alvin Agung Wibawa, “The driver, with the initials AR, was named a suspect yesterday. He is currently detained.”
The inquiry revealed a shocking sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. Commissioner Wibawa stated that Romansah and his two passengers where intoxicated at the time of the accident,having consumed both alcohol and drugs. “They hadn’t slept since leaving palembang,” Wibawa explained. “Before the accident, they planned to rest because they were going to Batam.”
The investigation wasn’t limited to the Traffic Police. The Pekanbaru Police Narcotics Unit, lead by AKP Bagus Fahria, also became involved, confirming the driver and passengers’ drug use. “They admitted to drinking alcohol,” Bagus stated.”They hadn’t slept because of crystal methamphetamine use since leaving Palembang.”
Romansah’s vehicle, traveling from Hang Tuah ujung, collided with a Honda Beat motorcycle carrying Anton Sujarwo (38), Afrianti (42), and their 10-year-old child, Aditia. the impact was so severe that the family was dragged and thrown from their bike. The car then struck a second motorcycle, a Honda scoopy, driven by Dwi Irwanto (22) and Liani (25). Tragically, the family on the Honda Beat perished in the accident. The other victims sustained injuries.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.The consequences extend far beyond the immediate victims, impacting families and communities for years to come. The case underscores the need for stricter enforcement of drunk and drugged driving laws, not only in Indonesia but globally.
This story highlights the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. The loss of a family underscores the need for continued public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of laws against drunk and drugged driving.
Tragic Accident in Pekanbaru: A Conversation with Road Safety Expert Dr. Laras Wati
World Today News Senior Editor: Welcome back to World Today News. With us today we have Dr.Laras Wati, a leading expert on road safety and traffic law enforcement, to discuss the recent heartbreaking incident in Pekanbaru, Riau, where a drunk driver tragically killed a family of three. Dr. Wati, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Laras Wati: Thank you for having me.This is truly a devastating incident, and my heart goes out to the victims’ families.
World Today News Senior Editor: The details surrounding this case are shocking. Can you shed some light on the implications of this incident from a road safety perspective?
Dr. Laras Wati: This case highlights a profound issue we face worldwide – the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. It’s not just about legal consequences; it’s about the sheer devastation it causes to individuals,families,and communities.
World Today News Senior Editor: The police reports indicate that the driver and his passengers had consumed alcohol and drugs and hadn’t slept for an extended period. What role does fatigue play in these types of accidents?
Dr. Laras Wati: fatigue can be just as risky as intoxication, impacting reaction time, awareness, and judgment. Combining fatigue with alcohol and drug use creates a deadly cocktail, considerably increasing the risk of accidents.
World today News Senior Editor: What steps can be taken to prevent such tragedies from happening again?
Dr. laras Wati: A multi-pronged approach is necessary. We need stricter law enforcement against drunk and drugged driving, including increased checkpoints and harsher penalties. Public awareness campaigns are vital to educate people about the risks and encourage responsible driving.
World Today News Senior editor: Is there anything specific that Indonesia can do to address this pressing issue?
Dr. Laras Wati: Indonesia needs to strengthen its road safety infrastructure, including better road design and improved lighting.
Furthermore, investing in public transportation and ride-sharing services can provide safe alternatives to driving while impaired.
World today News Senior Editor: Thank you for your insightful perspective, Dr. Wati. This conversation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the urgent need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies.
Dr.Laras Wati: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep this conversation going and work collectively towards safer roads for everyone.
