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)