Illegal minivans to be organized<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) has
\nstarted to organize all minivans operating illegally in Tanjung
\nPriok, North Jakarta, and Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The agency's head, J.P. Sepang, said Wednesday that DLLAJ have
\nalready listed some of the unlicensed transportation vehicles and
\nwould soon provide them licenses to operate at night in certain
\nareas, which are yet to be determined.<\/p>\n
\"Their current illegal operation has significantly disturbed
\nother people's businesses, particularly drivers of Metromini T-41
\nbuses, which officially ply the Tanjung Priok-Pulo Gadung route,\"
\nSepang told reporters.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, 150 Metromini bus drivers went to Sepang's
\noffice, seeking help in settling their dispute with unlicensed
\nminivan drivers.<\/p>\n
The dispute erupted Monday night when some of the illegal
\nminivan drivers -- along with local hoodlums -- wrecked 11
\nMetromini buses and wounded three drivers.<\/p>\n
Drivers of the official Metromini buses went on strike after
\nthe clash. The strike ended Wednesday after the agency promised
\nto organize the illegal minivans.<\/p>\n
According to Sepang, the agency never issues permits for any
\nillegal minivans.<\/p>\n
He said his agency would treat them appropriately based on the
\nexisting rules.<\/p>\n
The unlicensed minivans, locally known as Mobil Omprengan, can
\nbe found in and around the city transporting commuters, mostly
\nfactory workers and employees of entertainment spots.<\/p>\n
In North Jakarta alone, there are about 200 unlicensed
\nminivans.<\/p>\n
In most cases, transportation authorities and police are aware
\nof the illegal minivans. But the vans are rarely impounded
\nbecause they have already paid to ply those routes.<\/p>\n
The public has also not complained about the unlicensed
\nminivans because they are much cheaper than other vehicles and
\nprovide a service to commuters traveling home late at night when
\nmost official transportation is already unavailable.<\/p>\n
\"Their existence may help passengers. But because the minivans
\nare not officially registered, there's a bigger risk to the
\npassengers,\" said Sepang.<\/p>\n
\"For example, what if they got involved in an accident? Who
\nwould be responsible?\"<\/p>\n
The strike left hundreds of passengers -- in Warakas, Simpang
\nLima, Semper and Tidar in North Jakarta, as well as Cakung and
\nPulo Gadung in East Jakarta -- stranded.<\/p>\n
The North Jakarta mayoralty strongly supported the agency's
\nplan to organize the drivers.<\/p>\n
Mayor Soebagio said that his mayoralty would be glad to help
\n200 illegal minivans operating in North Jakarta gain legal
\nrecognition through proper procedures.<\/p>\n
\"Actually, the illegal minivans are required to pick up
\npassengers, especially night-shift workers. As far as we know,
\nMetrominis only operate until 10 p.m. while shift workers need
\npublic transportation until dawn,\" he said.<\/p>\n
North Jakarta Police Chief Let. Col. Rismawan said: \"What we
\nneed to do now is to gradually organize the illegal minivans so
\nthat they can play a positive role, instead of cause problems.<\/p>\n
\"Once they are put in order, there's a chance that they will
\nbe legalized in the future if they submit a request to related
\nagencies,\" he added. (07)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/illegal-minivans-to-be-organized-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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