Lampung drivers go on strike

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Thousands of minibus drivers went on strike for the second day running yesterday, crippling the city as countless people were unable to go to work.

The strike was triggered by a local government decision to double the daily fee drivers have to pay for every bus station they call in at, from Rp 400 to Rp 800.

The drivers demanded the release of 15 of their fellow drivers who the police are holding on charges of breaching traffic regulations, and an end to illegal levies by corrupt officials.

In some places, groups of people were seen threatening the drivers who refused to join the strike with sticks. They forced the drivers to stop work.

The strike took on a new twist yesterday when hundreds of Lampung University students started a street rally in support of the bus drivers' cause, Antara reported.

The strikers have refused the government's offer to reduce the terminal fee to Rp 500 and promise to stop illegal levies. (pan)