Drivers strike in Bogor

BOGOR (JP): Minibus drivers on the Pasar Anyar-Citeureup route in Bogor joined a strike Saturday demanding the authorities stop their organization collecting a daily levy of Rp 500 (US 18 cents) per driver.

Drivers have refused to pay the levy because of the alleged misuse of the money by executives of the Bogor city minibus drivers organization.

One of the drivers, Isak, told The Jakarta Post that the money was originally intended to help financially burdened drivers, such as those involved in accidents or who became ill.

"But the organization never helped any of us who were in trouble. Where did our money go?" Isak asked.

The drivers started the strike at around 10 a.m., making it difficult for hundreds of passengers to find alternative transportation.

Drivers took their protest to Bogor's Land Transportation Control Agency and demanded a meeting with the organization's executives.

Some protesters forced fellow drivers to join the strike by stopping their vehicles or threatening to break the windows if the drivers insisted on working.

The drivers ended the strike and returned to work at 11:15 a.m. after head of the drivers' organization, Irwan, explained how the money was managed.

Irwan said Rp 300 of the levy was used to cover the organization's operational costs and Rp 200 would be used to form part of the drivers' Idul Fitri bonus. (24/cst)