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It took worldwide media attention for officials in Lebak, Banten, to act despite the imminent danger a badly damaged bridge posed to residents. Only after widespread condemnation did officials move to shut down the badly disintegrating wood-and-wire suspension bridge.

But their promises for a new bridge and a temporary ferry service to link the two riverbanks have remained mere promises.

Even if a new bridge is being constructed, it raises the question: Why does it take media attention and public uproar to spur public officials into action? The bridge is only one case out of hundreds where the callousness of public officials puts citizens in harm’s way.

The bridge in Banten should have been shut down immediately following the heavy floods that damaged it. Instead, schoolchildren and residents continued to attempt to use it as there was no other alternative. This state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue, and public officials who are found wanting should be dismissed.

Maintaining public safety is one of the most important duties of the government and should be a top priority for all public officials. When an area is affected by heavy rain or strong winds, the first duty for public officials is to immediately check the safety of bridges, roads and other public facilities.

This was not done in Banten and serious questions should be asked as to why it was not. In the most recent press reports, the badly damaged bridge was again in use because none of the officers assigned to operate a boat to take citizens from one side to the other were present. Desperate to get to school on the other side, some children attempted to cross the bridge despite the obvious danger.

It is worrying that such things are allowed to happen in this country. Where was the officer assigned to operate the boat? If he or she was unavailable, why was someone else not asked to stand in?

The attitude among public officials needs to be adjusted when it comes to upholding public safety. The only way attitudes will change is if there are serious consequences for officers who fail in their duties.

It is time that all of us treat public safety more seriously. It may not have been your child in Banten whose life was at stake, but in the next case of serious neglect, it could well be.