Protest over beating of driver

Protest over beating of driver

TANGERANG: About 100 public minivan drivers protested outside the Tangerang City Council on Thursday after a driver was attacked by council employees for refusing to pay a local tax.

The land transportation agency officers allegedly punched the driver, Bimo, when he refused to pay a toll after his minivan was stopped on Jl. Pintu Air, Sewan subdistrict. The tolls, though legal, are often abused by officials.

"We do not accept this treatment. We want the officers to be punished," the 36-year-old victim shouted during the rally. His face was cut and bruised.

The protesters, who drive the Tangerang-Kampung Melayu route, dispersed after three hours because no member of the council was willing to meet them.

They promised to return with more drivers. -- JP