'Ojek' drivers stage protest

BATAM, Riau: Almost all stores in the business areas of Nagoya and Sei Jodoh, Batam, were closed on Tuesday due to a huge demonstration by thousands of ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers, who objected to the government's tax policy on the industrial bonded zone.

The drivers, grouped in All Batam Ojek Communication Forum, waved banners and posters while marching to the mayor's office, the Batam authority office and Hang Nadim Airport, saying that the imposition of value-added tax and sales tax on luxury goods had pushed up the prices of daily basic needs.

Store owners said they had to close their shops earlier in fear of possible violence.

It was the second demonstration by locals protesting the tax policy. (sur)