Bogor minivans facing crackdown

BOGOR (JP): The Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) here has warned drivers of 180 public transportation minivans, locally called angkot, in the past two months for violating various regulations.

But from now on, according to the head of the town's DLLAJ branch, Ridwan, all violators would be fined in line with the existing laws.

"Previously, we just wanted to remind them that they have to have the required documents to operate their vehicles.

That's why we later released them," Ridwan said.

Some drivers did not have proper documents for their routes or their permits had expired while others had the required route permits but failed to show other necessary papers, he said.

The stiff measures against the public transportation violators would be taken for the sake of the passengers and the public as a whole.

Owners' ignorance or refusal to complete the documents of their angkot could hamper the development plan in Bogor due to hitting its earnings, Ridwan said.

"Besides, the existence of the unlicensed public minivans could easily provoke the legitimate drivers to stage a rally (to protest their illegal rivals)," he said.

In early October, dozens of angkot drivers plying the Bojong Gede-Kampung Rambutan route held a noisy protest in Cimanggis, demanding the local authorities crack down on their unlicensed rivals. (24/bsr)