IMI offers towing service

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Automobile Association (IMI) will launch its towing service for Jakartans starting late this month following complaints from motorists over the unprofessional services available.

"Many towing officers push customers into a hard bargain," Arief P. Marsono, general manager of the IMI Touring service, said.

He said the towing vehicle, which often drags a damaged car by the front, often damages the vehicle's bumper. Such services then take no responsibility for the damage, he said.

The average fee for towing service is Rp 150,000, varying depending on distance and the type of car.

"Such problems will not happen to customers who become members of our service, which also offers competitive prices," Arief claimed.

IMI charges an annual membership fee of Rp 200,000 per person per car, and an additional fee from Rp 30,000 to Rp 120,000 for towing.

He said that members would also be covered with insurance worth Rp 20 million and a free hotline service call.

Arief added that public awareness of driving discipline should be intensified to prevent accidents.

"Now it's so easy to get a license through bribery," he said. (07)