Parung drivers irked by traders at terminal

Parung drivers irked by traders at terminal

BOGOR (JP): Hundreds of public transportation drivers in
Parung district here protested on Saturday the takeover of a
minivan terminal by market traders, saying it threatened their
livelihood.

Drivers urged local market authority officials to return the
terminal to its original function and complained the
transformation was done in recent months without prior
notification.

An established traditional market is located next to the
terminal.

"Market management officials have converted the terminal into
a market without any consideration for the driver's well-being
and the local community as passengers," said Jajang, a driver.

Drivers are forced to pick up and let off passengers on Jl.
Raya Parung, which causes traffic congestion, he added.

"No wonder that traffic jams here are becoming increasingly
chaotic because minivans are parked on the side of the street.
Where should we go then?"

Another driver, Udin, said locals also suffered from the
change.

"This decision is totally wrong and only causes harm to the
people."

Traffic police officers admitted they were dealing with more
difficulties.

"We can't easily prohibit the drivers from picking up
passengers on the side of the street," said an on-duty officer
who asked to remain anonymous. "We have to work hard to keep the
traffic flowing."

Parung police chief First Lt. Syamsiarno supported the
drivers' demand for returning the terminal to its original
function and hoped it could be done without delay.

Chief of the Parung market agency Ronny Toisuta denied on
Saturday there was any official decision on the conversion and
blamed unruly market traders.

"It's not our policy. They feel comfortable in doing business
at the location and refuse to move when we ask them to."

He said there was still ample space at the official market,
especially since 150 traders had moved over to the terminal. "The
spaces at the market, which is capable of accommodating up to 200
traders, are empty now."

He said the market management had tried to bring in line the
delinquent traders in cooperation with the local city land
transportation agency three weeks ago.

"After being persuaded to move away during the day, however,
they went back during the night. It's impossible for us to keep
an eye on them all day and night.

"We are at a loss as to what to do. If we force them to move,
we will be accused of violating their human rights." (24/ivy)