Drivers strikes hit W. Sumatra

Drivers strikes hit W. Sumatra

PADANG, West Sumatra: Batusangkar in Tanah Datar regency was
paralyzed on Tuesday when some 300 public transportation drivers
staged a strike to air their grievances against ojek (motorcycle
taxis) operating in the area.

The lack of public transportation forced students and
employees to walk to their schools and offices.

The striking public transportation drivers accused the ojek
drivers of breaking a previous agreement banning the motorcycle
taxis from operating during the day. The agreement, signed by
representatives of the local office of the Land Public
Transportation Agency and the police, stipulates that ojek are
not allowed to operate between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Regency Secretary Sultani Wirman promised to settle the
dispute. "If necessary we will issue a bylaw to regulate public
transportation."

Another strike was staged by public transportation drivers in
Solok, the capital of Tanah Datar. The drivers were protesting a
local government policy allowing public transportation vehicles
from neighboring areas to operate in the town. (28/lup)