'Bajaj are the most terrifying vehicles'

In response to the city government's release of 400 Indonesian- made kancil to replace three-wheeled bajaj, many expressed agreement, despite their concern at the fate of existing bajaj drivers. There are assumed to be around 11,200 bajaj drivers in the city, who are fearful of losing their jobs due to the new policy. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents on the issue.

Tuchid, 31, works for a publishing company in Slipi Jaya, West Jakarta. He lives in Kramatjati, East Jakarta:

I think bajaj are ideal for low-income people. I usually take one because it is far cheaper than going by taxi.

Of course, I cannot afford taxi fares as they are far higher. Besides, other means of transportation are less flexible compared with bajaj.

I like bajaj because they can take me to areas that public transportation cannot reach.

Many blame bajaj for severely polluting the air and for their unbearable noise, but there are also many other vehicles that cause more pollution in the city.

As a customer, I'm not bothered about bajaj, but if the city administration wants to replace them with kancil, that's no problem. The important thing is that fares are affordable and the ride comfortable.

However, the administration should anticipate the possible impact of replacing them. Otherwise, a fresh, knotty social problem is likely to develop.

I take pity on the drivers because they'll find it hard to earn a living if they lose their jobs.

Suhar, 45, is a chicken vendor in Sumur Batu, Central Jakarta. He lives in Cempaka Baru, Central Jakarta, with his wife and four children:

As a vendor, I frequently use bajaj to transport my goods; they are so flexible and practical.

I can fill the vehicle with goods without worrying about making it dirty.

bajaj are ideal for me as they can travel along narrow thoroughfares and get me to market more quickly as a result.

I'm afraid that if bajaj are replaced by kancil, then the new vehicle will not be able to replicate the mobility and flexibility of bajaj.

I think drivers of the new vehicles wouldn't allow me to load "dirty" chickens in them, right? I'd therefore have a problem transporting my goods around.

Besides, I'm sure there'll be a social impact, particularly for bajaj drivers who oppose the new policy.

Edi, 30, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Palmerah, Central Jakarta. He lives in Cimanggis, West Java, with his wife and two children:

I reckon that the three-wheeled vehicles are the most terrifying thing on the street. I always get scared if I encounter one on my travels.

I have to be extra careful due to their unpredictable maneuvers. It's better to keep out of their way, however skilled a driver you may be.

However, I don't feel annoyed at the existence of bajaj, despite the noise and pollution produced by them.

It's not a matter of agreeing or disagreeing with the new policy to replace bajaj with kancil.

I'm more concerned at the fate of bajaj drivers, who usually come from the low-income bracket.

Besides, I reckon that many on low incomes also use bajaj because of their low fares and greater flexibility.

I can imagine how hard it must be for bajaj drivers to respond to the new policy because I also earn money from carrying people around.

I'm sure it will spark social unrest if the administration doesn't handle the problem well.

Besides, kancil are far more expensive and barely affordable for bajaj drivers. It will surely be the death knell for them in many ways.

kancil may be more environmentally friendly, but I reckon they'll worsen the city's traffic congestion, which is already bad enough.

Leo Wahyudi S