Blok M bus terminal back to normal

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

After being blocked by dozens of bus crews for three consecutive days, the situation at Blok M bus terminal gradually returned to normal on Friday, as most crews taking part in the demonstration against the new routes started operating again, an official said.

"Most buses have resumed their operation today although the City Land Transportation Agency has yet to meet their demand," a police officer at Blok M police subprecinct, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Jakarta Post.

He said only the crews on route S-69, serving Blok M and Ciledug, were still continuing with their strike.

Despite the strike, he said, passengers could use many unlicensed minivans (omprengan), which were available in the vicinity of Blok M bus terminal.

"That's why passengers are no longer stranded as they can use alternative vehicles to transport them," he said.

The crews of 10 minibus routes have demanded the City Land Transportation Agency give them back their old routes, saying the new routes would be disadvantageous to them.

The agency said earlier that it would remain tough in imposing the new rules, while Governor Sutiyoso also expressed his support for them.