Authorities order minivan and bus crews not to go on strike

Authorities order minivan and bus crews not to go on strike

JAKARTA (JP): The city police, military and municipality have
instructed the crews of minivans and city buses not to go on
strike demanding ticket price increases or protesting against the
skyrocketing prices of spare parts.

Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said
Wednesday such strikes would be utilized by certain groups who
have different agendas to the drivers' demands.

"The groups, which I call the opportunists and radical groups,
only aim to disturb next month's General Session of the People's
Consultative Assembly," he said at a post-Idul Fitri gathering
held by transportation cooperative Koperasi Wahana Kalpika in
Cibubur, East Jakarta.

Sjafrie made the statement in response to thousands of minivan
drivers who went on strike in Bekasi on Monday, demanding a fare
hike due to price increases in spare parts.

He said military command would not hesitate to take stern
action against protesters, especially those who have political
motives.

"From now on I forbid demonstrators to turn to the streets,"
Sjafrie said, referring to the latest demonstrations held by a
group, Barisan Merah Putih (Red and White Front).

He urged drivers to call the military toll-free telephone
number 122 if they heard or knew about something suspicious in
their neighborhoods.

Sjafrie promised to discuss the drivers' grievances with the
related parties.

He said that he and Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata
had discussed the spare parts prices with the spare parts dealers
but declined to give further details.

Head of the City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) J.P.
Sepang said protests would only exacerbate the situation

"We are all in a difficult situation here. Buses and minivans
have stopped plying six routes due to a lack of operational fees.
Staging a protest will not do any good. It can only make things
worse."

He admitted public transportation vehicle owners had lodged
complaints.

"They all complain about the high prices of spare parts. We
are all in a jam here."

Oriyanto, an officer from the agency's traffic supervision and
control section, said the city had a 15,731-strong public
transportation fleet, ranging from minivans to buses.

PT Mayasari Bakti, PT Giri Indah, PT Metro Mini, PT Kopaja and
PT Mikrolet are among the 20 transportation companies listed by
the agency.

"Most of the firms are complaining about the prices of spare
parts. The tire prices, for instance, have risen up to 200
percent from the usual cost," he said.

The agency can only convey the complaints to the Directorate
General of Land Transportation, which is charged with making
decisions about such issues, he added.

Aip Syarifuddin, head of the Organization of Land
Transportation Owners (Organda), said the price hikes were
unbearable.

"A locally made tire is sold for Rp 1.02 million compared to
the precrisis price of only Rp 385,000."

He also hoped the government would permit bus companies' debts
to be renegotiated.

"We hope the payments could be delayed for two to three
years." (jun/edt/ind)