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)