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)