East Timor bus drivers on strike

DILI, East Timor: Hundreds of bus drivers staged a peaceful demonstration over the weekend against the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities, auto part and lubricant oil.

They marched to the provincial legislative office, jamming the vast compound with their buses.

The protest prompted scores of security officers to block roads leading to the compound and closely watch people's movement in anticipation of violence.

Five drivers representing the drivers were met by deputy council speaker Gabriel da Costa, provincial transportation office chief Robertus Widadgo and officials from the manpower office.

The representatives said they were frustrated by the soaring prices of essential goods, auto parts and lube oil. They demanded that the government move to stabilize prices at a reasonable level.

"If there is no way to meet our demand, we have two options: continuing strike or burning shops," said drivers representative Jose da Silva.

He said that the price of a tire had in a few months increased from Rp 52,500 to Rp 125,000, a brake shoe from 45,000 to 90,000 and lube oil from Rp 17,000 to Rp 24,000 a liter.

Gabriel promised to discuss the drivers' complaint with government officials and to conduct a field check on the reported expensive goods. (33)