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)