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