Minivan drivers oppose competition

BOGOR: Dozens of public minivan drivers working the Parung- Pasar Anyar and Bojong Gede-Pasar Anyar routes went on strike on Monday to protest the recent influx of competitors along their routes, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.

During a rally outside the Office of Public Vehicles Control on Jl. Juanda, the drivers also demanded the authorities punish those police officers who broke their side mirrors and illegally confiscated their vehicle documents.

"We also want the West Java governor to issue a decree annulling the Rp 100,000 (US$11.76) fee to extend the operating permit (for minivans)," one of the drivers said.

An official with Bogor's Association of Land Transportation Owners, M. Yusuf, said many minivan operators sent vehicles out into the streets that were no longer roadworthy, increasing the competition among drivers. -- JP