Military to probe drivers strike

Military to probe drivers strike

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The authorities will probe the massive bus drivers strike that paralyzed Bandar Lampung Tuesday and Wednesday.

Spokesman for the local military command, Lt. Col. Malian Syahri, said Thursday the authorities would find out why the drivers had resorted to strike action to solve their problem.

"We don't want to see strikes used to solve disputes, because it causes public unrest. Every conflict should be settled through deliberations," Malian told Antara.

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

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