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)