Kendari drivers go on strike

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Southeast Sulawesi capital of Kendari was crippled on Monday following a strike by public transit drivers, demanding an increase in fares.

The strike, which started at 8 a.m. local time, halted practically all activities in the city. Most offices and markets were quiet, empty of employees and shoppers.

Alwan, a civil servant, told Antara that he would not work on Monday because of the strike.

A housewife, Nurwati, said she heard about the planned strike last week. "I went to the market two days ago and bought food for my family."

The drivers said they had to demand that the governor increase the transport fares following the 12 percent hike in fuel prices.

The local administration put state-owned DAMRI buses and trucks belonging to the police and Army in service to help people with transportation problems. (sur)