'Becak' drivers seek Rp 26b compensation from Sutiyoso

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Central Jakarta District Court began hearing a civil case on Thursday filed against Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, Jakarta Police Chief Gen. Ins. Sofjan Jacoeb and Jakarta Military Command Chief Lt. Gen. Bibit Waluyo, in relation to the crackdowns against becak (pedicab) drivers and street vendors.

Through the class action, 54 plaintiffs are demanding compensation totaling Rp 26 billion, and that the governor allow them to operate with a guarantee for their security.

They claim to represent 15,000 poor people who lost their jobs and homes during operations launched by the city administration, backed by the police, since July this year.

Most of the plaintiffs are pedicab drivers, street vendors and street singers who live in slums here.

Eight people acted as lawyers for the plaintiffs. They were Rasdullah, Musimah, Nasro Haris, Siti Sopiah, Hanifah, FX. Wikani and Sadar.

"The evictions, which resulted in the plaintiffs losing their jobs and homes, were unfair and inhumane," Hanifah, one of the representatives, read out the legal suit.

Not only did the evictions affect them physically but also mentally, as they have felt threatened while trying to earn a living, Hanifah said.

"Although the plaintiffs are poor, they deserve protection while doing their jobs or sleeping in their homes like any other citizen in the city," he said, to the applause of some 160 supporters and several Urban Poor Consortium activists who attended the hearing.

According to the suit, the city administration planned to remove pedicabs, street vendors and street singers, and demolish slums around the city during the operations held from July to December.

The operations were supported by the Jakarta District Police and the Jakarta Military Command.

The administration deployed some 4,100 public order officers, 600 police officers and 150 military officers for the operations.

"While expelling the poor, the officers used weapons that caused serious injuries to the victims," said Rasdullah.

He also accused the governor of not providing alternative jobs and housing as promised before conducting the operations.

Presiding Judge I Nengah Suriada adjourned the trial until next week to hear the defense statement from the accused's lawyers.