A challenge to Agum Gumelar

A challenge to Agum Gumelar

I should have written this letter when the accident of Cirebon Express and Empu Jaya trains occurred three months ago.

Unfortunately another tragedy, the train collision between the Gaya Baru and the Empu Jaya, took place on Dec. 25, 2001.

In addition to problems of the railway, nearly all forms of public transportation in this country are cause for great concern.

Vehicles, infrastructure and equipment for public transport desperately needs to be renewed and modernized.

Most important of all is the much-needed improvement of the quality of human resources. In Jakarta alone, we can see clearly how careless bus drivers behave while on the roads.

It would be appropriate if all forms of public transportation were to display lists of the names and phone numbers of the managers of transportation companies, so that passengers could directly report the reckless acts of drivers to their superiors.

Hopefully, Transportation Minister Agum Gumelar and his personnel will overcome these matters regarding the security, safety and convenience -- for the sake of all users of public transportation in Indonesia.

AMIR SIDHARTA

Jakarta