Drivers go on strike in Bogor

BOGOR (JP): Dozens of drivers of minivans plying the Cileungsi-Ciangsana-Kampung Rambutan route went on strike yesterday to protest the opening of a new route which overlaps with theirs.

They went to the Bogor Land Transportation Agency's office and demanded that the new route -- linking Citeureup, Wanaherang, Cileungsi, Kampung Rambutan and Pondok Gede -- be canceled.

"The opening of the new route has cause our average daily income of Rp 15,000 (US$3) to drop to only Rp 5,000 at present," one of the protesters, who did not want to be identified, said.

Endang Durohim, head of the agency, said that the new route was authorized following a survey and in line with the rising number of passengers in the area.

"We will continue to permit the new route, which has been approved by the West Jakarta Provincial Administration," he said, adding that the government will not interfere in the issuance of new permits.

"Hindering their issuance means hindering the development program. Moreover, Bogor constitutes one of Jakarta's buffer zones."

However, Endang promised to reevaluate the route and search for new alternatives, which are not expected to affect other parties. (24/hhr)