Fri, 09 Sep 1994

Bekasi drivers refuse new uniform

JAKARTA (JP): Many public transportation drivers in Bekasi, West Java, have refused to buy a new uniform as required by the Bekasi Land Transportation Company Organization, saying they could not afford it.

Suara Pembaruan afternoon daily reported yesterday that some drivers have complained that they could not afford the Rp 18,500 (US$8.5) new uniform because they have allocated most of their daily incomes for traffic fines, terminal levies and other "unexpected" fees.

The new uniform will consist of a blue batik jacket which carries Organda's logo and an identification card.

Organda's secretary Abdul Rozak however said that the new uniform only costs Rp 15,500.

He said the new uniform is expected to boost the drivers' sense of responsibility while the new identification card is aimed at limiting the role of some illegal drivers who drive the public transportation without the owners' knowledge.(03)