Computer failure upsets drivers license appliacants

JAKARTA (JP): Computer breakdown at the new drivers license office in West Jakarta upset thousands of drivers license applicants yesterday.

Antara reported that at 11:30 a.m. the computers had still not been fixed, frustrating applicants who had been queuing all morning.

The chief of Jakarta traffic police, Col. Ansyar Roem said the computer breakdown was the supplier's responsibility.

"The supplier must hire technicians at the drivers license office. They (the technicians) should have dealt with the problem," he said.

Ansyar said he would have officers issuing drivers licenses working overtime to process applications. "They should work over time so as not to disappoint the public".

He said most people thronging the office yesterday wanted their licenses renewed.

"I'm surprised they have all rushed to get new licenses because police have given people whose licenses have expired an extra two weeks," he said.

"Police will not fine them within the two week dispensation. I guarantee this," he said.

He said he hoped people would be more patient and understand that the more people crowding the office the longer officials would take to process the licenses.

Antara also reported brokers had been offering services at the new office.

Many employees (civilian officials), in white uniforms offered their services.

Brokers used to operate at the old office in the City Police headquarters although there were signs warning applicants against using the middlemen's service. (sur)