'Ojek' drivers stage protest

'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)