Taxi drivers' afflictions

I recently came across a taxi driver who told me that the July 27 riot made life difficult for taxi drivers in town.

Several taxis were torched by the rioters and some were stoned. The taxi drivers were facing a dilemma. If they did not go to work, how would they feed their families? If they worked and their car was vandalized, who should take the responsibility? The insurance company would undoubtedly waive any claim for compensation because a riot is a case of force majeure.

Additionally there is the problem of the bank loan engaged by the owner to acquire the vehicle. Now he has to pay back the money in installments. Hence, the owner who might lose a taxi in a riot would receive no compensation from the insurance company while he would have to continue repaying the loan. The driver would lose his means of generating income to boot.

Another case of interest was that of a small garment shop owner. She could only lament her bad luck. Her shop was burned down after the rioters had plundered everything inside, including the sewing machines. Only the charred frame of the shop remains.

A. DJUANA

Jakarta