Blue Bird explains driver's dismissal

JAKARTA (JP): The Morante taxi driver who plunged his car into a fountain at the House of Representatives compound last week was dismissed for damaging the vehicle, and not for the publicity stunt, his employer said on Saturday.

Ateng Aryono, vice operation director of the Blue Bird Group which manages Morante taxis, said the driver, Bustari, was told of the decision to fire him on Friday.

Bustari, 36 and a father of two, went to the House on Thursday hoping to air his grievances with the company. But when his request for an audience was ignored, he drove the taxi into the fountain.

Bustari, who had been driving for the company for two years, said he and his colleagues had demanded a higher commission from the company and a larger Idul Fitri allowance.

Ateng said Bustari misunderstood company policies on commissions and holiday loans.

"He compared our commission system to the rent system used in other taxi companies. They are two different systems," he said.

He said Bustari had never personally raised his complaints at the monthly meeting between management and drivers.

"We regularly gather input from our employees. Other drivers have also demanded adjustments to the commission," he said, stressing that the company aims to ensure drivers' welfare and continuation of its business.

The Blue Bird Group -- which operates Blue Bird, Silver Bird, Gamya and Morante taxis, Big Bird buses and other car services -- employs over 8,000 drivers.

Taxi drivers work on a progressive commission system, with 10 percent for the first Rp 100,000 income, 15 percent for fares of between Rp 100,000 and Rp 200,000, and so on.

Bustari, 36, drove his taxi into the fountain of the complex on Feb. 17, shocking members and staff of the House as well as dozens of television crew and reporters at the legislative building.

He told police and reporters later that he did it on purpose after a complaint submitted by him and his colleagues over the unfair treatment they receive from their company was ignored by the legislators.

Bustari said on Thursday that he had no regrets over the incident. (06)