Angry mob attacks Curug levy office

Angry mob attacks Curug levy office

TANGERANG (JP): More than 400 Kadu Jaya villagers in Curug
attacked two guards at a privately run office used to collect
fees from passing motorists on Jl. Telesonik Km 8 yesterday.

Thanks to the immediate arrival of police and soldiers, the
guards, identified as Yamin and Yayat, were able to escape from
the angry mob.

The residents, who were upset with the guards' employer for
never donating funds required by the locals for social functions,
also failed in their attempts to burn the tiny building.

The mob, whose action was endorsed in writing by the village
chief, flocked to the post early in the morning under the command
of a senior resident named Doddy.

They woke up the two guards and kicked them out of the
building.

To prevent further destruction, the police and military
invited the angry residents to the nearby office of their village
chief to discuss the problem with related parties, including the
operator of the levy office.

"The post employees continuously collected fees from
motorists, including local residents, passing down the street,"
said Doddy.

He didn't clarify when the collections began but said the
levies were Rp 1,500 (56 US cents) for a truck, Rp 1,000 for a
sedan and Rp 500 for a van.

The people lost their patience last month when they failed to
get a single rupiah from the post's operator for the village's
Aug. 17 Independence Day celebrations.

After being informed of the news, village chief Abdul Kadir
immediately instructed the operator, Ben M. Meliolo, to hand over
the business and the post to the local people.

Ben ignored Kadir's order, probably because like other
operators, he has to contribute Rp 400,000 per month to the
Tangerang regency office. This is stipulated in a circular issued
by the regent.

Neither Ben nor local government officials could be reached
yesterday for further explanation.

Similar to other towns with many big factories, Tangerang has
dozens of roadside levy posts manned by both uniformed and
nonuniformed staff.

The employees often stand in the middle of the streets to
ensure motorists do not escape paying. As a result, they often
cause traffic congestion.

Tangerang residents have questioned the local municipality
about the use of the money because many of the town's roads are
still in poor condition. (41/bsr)