Becak drivers stage violent rally

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of becak (pedicab) drivers staged a violent protest at the office of the head of Pademangan Timur subdistrict on early Wednesday following official raids conducted against the operation of their vehicles in Penjaringan and Pademangan areas several hours earlier.

Police reports said that initially the becak drivers wished to talk to officials at the subdistrict office but, as the protest was held at 4:30 a.m., none of the officials were there.

The drivers vented their anger by pelting stones at the front glass windows of the office and damaging the roof. Material losses have yet to be estimated.

The violence was subdued after police and nearby residents came and calmed down the drivers. No arrests were made during the incident. (emf)