'God knows when a 'bajaj' might veer off-course'<\/p>\n
The administration has announced that it would issue permits to
\noperate 400 Indonesian-made kancil to replace the Indian-made,
\nthree-wheeled bajaj. Many residents welcome the city plan to
\nreplace the bajaj, although they that fear it might spark social
\nunrest. Some motorists have spoken to The Jakarta Post on the
\nplan.<\/p>\n
Aufi, 29, works for a private company in South Jakarta, and lives
\nin Ciledug, Tangerang with her family:<\/p>\n
I have to say, I hate the bajaj. They just contribute to
\nworsening the traffic.<\/p>\n
Most bajaj drivers are very careless and drive all over the
\nplace, without a care for other motorists. They often block the
\nthoroughfare, never mind that the roads are already so congested.<\/p>\n
I've had so much trouble with the bajaj. Once, I hurt my knee
\nbecause the steel partition between the driver's and passenger's
\nseats was corroded and sharp from being bent out of shape.<\/p>\n
Even worse, the smoke and noise is unbearable, even if I wear
\na helmet and mask.<\/p>\n
It seems only God and the bajaj driver know whether the
\nvehicle will suddenly veer left or right. Nobody really knows how
\nit will move -- it seems it has a mind of its own. It is
\ndangerous vehicle.<\/p>\n
So, I agree completely with the plan to replace them with the
\nmore eco-friendly kancil.<\/p>\n
Bajaj are no longer roadworthy, and it would be better to take
\nthem off the streets soon. Otherwise, the streets will be
\ndangerous for many people because of the sloppy bajaj drivers.<\/p>\n
But the administration should be wise about how they handle
\nthe replacement, as it could easily turn into a social conflict.<\/p>\n
Beni, 46, is a lecturer at a private academy in Salemba, Central
\nJakarta. He lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, with his wife and
\ntwo children:<\/p>\n
Bajaj are very annoying. Even if all the windows of my car are
\nclosed, the unbearable noise and choking smoke will filter
\nthrough.<\/p>\n
Worse, bajaj make it very inconvenient for other motorists on
\nthe streets, as the drivers are usually very careless.<\/p>\n
I've already been bumped by careless bajaj drivers several
\ntimes -- they've also crashed into the back of my car, then run
\noff without taking any responsibility for the damage they've
\ncaused.<\/p>\n
I think bajaj should no longer be tolerated because of the
\nreckless drivers. Besides, the majority of bajaj are not
\nroadworthy because of their poor maintenance.<\/p>\n
I agree with the new policy to replace bajaj with kancil,
\nprovided that these are more comfortable for passengers.<\/p>\n
I would suggest, though, that the obsolete bajaj not be dumped
\ninto the sea, as the oil from the vehicle will certainly seep out
\nand pollute the water. It would be better to send them to the
\nKrakatau Steel factory to recycle the steel into resalable
\nmaterials.<\/p>\n
Pupu, 44, works at a multinational company in South Jakarta. She
\nlives in Senopati, South Jakarta, with her husband and two
\nchildren:<\/p>\n
I agree with the administration's plan to replace the bajaj
\nwith the kancil.<\/p>\n
I do hope the fare for the kancil is much lower than the bajaj
\n-- at least, it will not be as high as taxi fares.<\/p>\n
I usually take a bajaj to take my kids to school, because it
\ncan pass through narrow alleyways and save travel time. It's much
\nquicker than taking a car, because of the terrible traffic
\nconditions. Taking a private car is always frustrating.<\/p>\n
I hope the new vehicles will not worsen the already chronic
\ntraffic in the city.<\/p>\n
But I'd suggest that the worn-out bajaj not be dumped into the
\nsea. I'd feel sorry for the bajaj drivers if that happened.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/god-knows-when-a-bajaj-might-veer-off-course-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }