Tangerang drivers go on strike

TANGERANG (JP): Dozens of public transportation minivan drivers went on strike in the Kebon Nanas area here on Saturday in protest at the administration's plan to change their route.

In the morning, the drivers of R03A minivans plying the Serpong-Cikokol route stopped fellow drivers to urge them to join the strike. The action led to a heavy traffic jam in the area.

Under the disputed policy, the vans are no longer allowed to stop and pick up passengers at the Cikokol terminal. The drivers fear it will slash their already low daily income.

Striking driver Udin, 28, said that the policy made it doubtful he would still be able to earn the mandatory Rp 30,000 (US$3.75) daily for the van rental.

"My life was already difficult before the route was changed. Now it will get worse. I wonder how I will be able to feed my wife and children?"

No violence was reported during the strike and the drivers went back to work again at about 1 p.m.

The chief of the Tangerang Land Transportation Agency, Daryanto, said the new route was not intended to make drivers' lives difficult. (41/ivy)