Minivan drivers strike in Ciledug

TANGERANG (JP): About 500 drivers of minivans plying the Ciledug-Kebayoran Lama route went on strike yesterday, parking their vehicles in front of the Ciledug Police subprecinct to protest against the inclusion of a new road in their route.

The protest caused heavy traffic congestion on adjoining roads and left thousands of passengers stranded.

The protesters claimed that the inclusion of the road severely affected their income.

"The new road along Jl. H. Mencong is very remote and not many passengers frequent it," Tony, one of the drivers, said.

The drivers refused to work along Jl. H. Mencong and demanded that they be allowed to serve the old route from Kebayoran Lama to Ciledug.

They also demanded that the number of minivans be limited.

"The existing number of about 500 is already too many," Tony said. "Don't allow new fleets to service the route."

Driver representatives yesterday met with officials of the Tangerang mayoralty, the military district, police subprecinct and Tangerang Land and Transportation Agency (DLLAJ).

During the meeting all the drivers' demands were met.

"But the restriction of additional fleets will be coordinated with DLLAJ of the Tangerang regency office, which oversees it," Maman Suyatman, from the Tangerang mayoralty office, said. (41)