EFFECTIVENESS OF LEGENFORCEMENT AGAINST ILLEGAL STREET RACING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INDONESIA, THE UNITED STATES, AND GERMANY

Abstract

Illegal street racing remains a persistent and complex challenge in many urban settings, particularly among male adolescents who engage in high-risk behavior as a means of asserting identity and gaining peer recognition. This phenomenon poses significant threats to public safety, social order, and the rule of law. Despite ongoing law enforcement efforts, the recurrence of illegal racing activities indicates the limitations of punitive measures alone. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of legal enforcement mechanisms in addressing illegal street racing by conducting a comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks, sanction models, preventive strategies, and public education initiatives in Indonesia, the United States, and Germany. Employing a normative juridical and comparative legal methodology, the research explores how each country integrates legal instruments with sociocultural and educational interventions to deter such behaviors. The study finds that a multidimensional approach—incorporating stringent legal sanctions, proactive prevention efforts, and sustained public education tailored to local legal cultures—is essential for long-term effectiveness. In particular, Germany’s model of integrating community-based awareness campaigns and the United States’ emphasis on diversionary programs for youth offenders offer valuable insights for reform. The findings suggest that Indonesia’s current legal framework could benefit from adopting a more integrative and rehabilitative approach informed by international best practices. By strengthening legal deterrents while simultaneously addressing the underlying social and psychological motivations for street racing, Indonesia can enhance both legal efficacy and public safety outcomes.