Bylaw irks pedicab drivers

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang

More than 1,000 becak (pedicab) drivers in Tangerang municipality demonstrated on Friday against a bylaw that limits the areas in which they can operate.

Carrying red-and-white flags, they arrived at Tangerang City Hall after marching across the city since morning, causing heavy traffic jams.

They managed to force their way through the City Hall gates after scuffling with security guards who had been guarding the gates.

"We want justice. It's already difficult for us to feed and send our children to school. Now our operations are being restricted. Let pedicabs operate freely," shouted Mamat, one of the drivers.

"You all get monthly salaries to feed your wives and children. We have to paddle through the roads every single day, and now you stop us from earning money," said another driver, Suhandi, pointing to a number of public order officers arriving in a van.

Some angry drivers immediately ran after the van, but were calmed down by colleagues.

The drivers declared that they would stay there until they met Mayor Wahidin Halim, who was not in his office.

Mamat demanded that the mayor repeal Bylaw No. 5/2004, which bans becak from operating on main roads. Since the bylaw was implemented in June, public order officers, the police and military personnel have held joint operations to remove becak from Tangerang's main roads.

Wahidin said later that the bylaw was aimed at limiting the areas in which becak could operate.

"If pedicabs were allowed to operate on main roads, they would be endangering themselves, their passengers and other road users," he said.

Becak have been banned from operating along Jl. Daan Mogot, Jl. Kisamaun, Jl. Kiasnawi and Jl. Dimyati.

Many road users have complained that becak contribute greatly to traffic congestion.

"We would be happy if pedicabs were banned from downtown. Becak should only be allowed to operate in residential areas," said Hery Ubaidillah, adding that his sister had been hit by a becak.