Intercity bus drivers to take drug, alcohol tests

Amar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Police were to test intercity bus drivers for drug and alcohol abuse to ensure the safety of passengers traveling ahead of Idul Fitri celebrations, Jakarta police said on Wednesday.

"The intercity bus drivers are obliged to have urine examinations to determine whether or not they have been taking alcohol or drugs," police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said.

Anton said police would prohibit those who tested positive from driving, as drivers affected by drugs or alcohol could risk the lives of passengers in traffic smashes.

He said police, in cooperation with the City Health Agency who would provide ambulance vans, would begin testing at intercity bus terminals a week before the Idul Fitri festivities.

Police would also require that every intercity bus have at least two drivers to increase safety, Anton said.

To help provide better services to the passengers heading to their hometowns to mark the festivities, a tradition better known as mudik, the police had increased security at bus terminals and railway stations.

"We have deployed (on Monday) two battalions of police personnel respectively at the Gambir railway station and the Pulo Gadung bus terminal, with tasks mainly to crack down on ticket scalpers and pickpockets," Anton said.

On Monday, the police inspected the Gambir railway station and found indications that many ticket scalpers operated there, while many hoodlums were operating at the Pulo Gadung bus terminal, Anton said.

Police had yet to arrest any criminals, Anton added.

Travelers have long complained about the ticket scalpers who run their businesses openly, but as yet no stern action has been taken. It is believed that their operations are supported by officials.