'God knows when a 'bajaj' might veer off-course'

The administration has announced that it would issue permits to operate 400 Indonesian-made kancil to replace the Indian-made, three-wheeled bajaj. Many residents welcome the city plan to replace the bajaj, although they that fear it might spark social unrest. Some motorists have spoken to The Jakarta Post on the plan.

Aufi, 29, works for a private company in South Jakarta, and lives in Ciledug, Tangerang with her family:

I have to say, I hate the bajaj. They just contribute to worsening the traffic.

Most bajaj drivers are very careless and drive all over the place, without a care for other motorists. They often block the thoroughfare, never mind that the roads are already so congested.

I've had so much trouble with the bajaj. Once, I hurt my knee because the steel partition between the driver's and passenger's seats was corroded and sharp from being bent out of shape.

Even worse, the smoke and noise is unbearable, even if I wear a helmet and mask.

It seems only God and the bajaj driver know whether the vehicle will suddenly veer left or right. Nobody really knows how it will move -- it seems it has a mind of its own. It is dangerous vehicle.

So, I agree completely with the plan to replace them with the more eco-friendly kancil.

Bajaj are no longer roadworthy, and it would be better to take them off the streets soon. Otherwise, the streets will be dangerous for many people because of the sloppy bajaj drivers.

But the administration should be wise about how they handle the replacement, as it could easily turn into a social conflict.

Beni, 46, is a lecturer at a private academy in Salemba, Central Jakarta. He lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, with his wife and two children:

Bajaj are very annoying. Even if all the windows of my car are closed, the unbearable noise and choking smoke will filter through.

Worse, bajaj make it very inconvenient for other motorists on the streets, as the drivers are usually very careless.

I've already been bumped by careless bajaj drivers several times -- they've also crashed into the back of my car, then run off without taking any responsibility for the damage they've caused.

I think bajaj should no longer be tolerated because of the reckless drivers. Besides, the majority of bajaj are not roadworthy because of their poor maintenance.

I agree with the new policy to replace bajaj with kancil, provided that these are more comfortable for passengers.

I would suggest, though, that the obsolete bajaj not be dumped into the sea, as the oil from the vehicle will certainly seep out and pollute the water. It would be better to send them to the Krakatau Steel factory to recycle the steel into resalable materials.

Pupu, 44, works at a multinational company in South Jakarta. She lives in Senopati, South Jakarta, with her husband and two children:

I agree with the administration's plan to replace the bajaj with the kancil.

I do hope the fare for the kancil is much lower than the bajaj -- at least, it will not be as high as taxi fares.

I usually take a bajaj to take my kids to school, because it can pass through narrow alleyways and save travel time. It's much quicker than taking a car, because of the terrible traffic conditions. Taking a private car is always frustrating.

I hope the new vehicles will not worsen the already chronic traffic in the city.

But I'd suggest that the worn-out bajaj not be dumped into the sea. I'd feel sorry for the bajaj drivers if that happened.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.