Illegal minivans to be organized
Illegal minivans to be organized
JAKARTA (JP): The City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) has
started to organize all minivans operating illegally in Tanjung
Priok, North Jakarta, and Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta.
The agency's head, J.P. Sepang, said Wednesday that DLLAJ have
already listed some of the unlicensed transportation vehicles and
would soon provide them licenses to operate at night in certain
areas, which are yet to be determined.
"Their current illegal operation has significantly disturbed
other people's businesses, particularly drivers of Metromini T-41
buses, which officially ply the Tanjung Priok-Pulo Gadung route,"
Sepang told reporters.
On Wednesday, 150 Metromini bus drivers went to Sepang's
office, seeking help in settling their dispute with unlicensed
minivan drivers.
The dispute erupted Monday night when some of the illegal
minivan drivers -- along with local hoodlums -- wrecked 11
Metromini buses and wounded three drivers.
Drivers of the official Metromini buses went on strike after
the clash. The strike ended Wednesday after the agency promised
to organize the illegal minivans.
According to Sepang, the agency never issues permits for any
illegal minivans.
He said his agency would treat them appropriately based on the
existing rules.
The unlicensed minivans, locally known as Mobil Omprengan, can
be found in and around the city transporting commuters, mostly
factory workers and employees of entertainment spots.
In North Jakarta alone, there are about 200 unlicensed
minivans.
In most cases, transportation authorities and police are aware
of the illegal minivans. But the vans are rarely impounded
because they have already paid to ply those routes.
The public has also not complained about the unlicensed
minivans because they are much cheaper than other vehicles and
provide a service to commuters traveling home late at night when
most official transportation is already unavailable.
"Their existence may help passengers. But because the minivans
are not officially registered, there's a bigger risk to the
passengers," said Sepang.
"For example, what if they got involved in an accident? Who
would be responsible?"
The strike left hundreds of passengers -- in Warakas, Simpang
Lima, Semper and Tidar in North Jakarta, as well as Cakung and
Pulo Gadung in East Jakarta -- stranded.
The North Jakarta mayoralty strongly supported the agency's
plan to organize the drivers.
Mayor Soebagio said that his mayoralty would be glad to help
200 illegal minivans operating in North Jakarta gain legal
recognition through proper procedures.
"Actually, the illegal minivans are required to pick up
passengers, especially night-shift workers. As far as we know,
Metrominis only operate until 10 p.m. while shift workers need
public transportation until dawn," he said.
North Jakarta Police Chief Let. Col. Rismawan said: "What we
need to do now is to gradually organize the illegal minivans so
that they can play a positive role, instead of cause problems.
"Once they are put in order, there's a chance that they will
be legalized in the future if they submit a request to related
agencies," he added. (07)