Uber spread false information: Organda

Jakarta Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) has countered Uber's recent official statement that Jakarta
Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama had given a green light to the ride-booking company to operate in the capital.

According to Jakarta Organda chairman Shafruhan Sinungan, Uber had released false information and the agency would therefore
report the company to the police.

"The [information in the] Uber press release has been denied by the governor, which means that Uber tried to deceive the
public," Shafruhan told kompas.com on Thursday.

Shafruhan said that, in principle, Organda welcomed the rise of application-based public transportation, as long as companies
obeyed the country's laws and regulations.

"[Uber] might cause turmoil if they keep conducting illegal activities. The authorities, including the Jakarta Transportation
Agency [Dishub], the Transportation Ministry and the National Police should be aware of this," said Shafruhan.

On Tuesday, Uber released a press statement that claimed Ahok had officially recognized the value and legality of Uber after the
company had its investment application approved by the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

Uber spokesperson Karun Arya told thejakartapost.com on Wednesday that the company was currently engaged in legal processes with
several agencies, including the BKPM and Dishub, to secure permission to operate in Jakarta.

"We have already begun bringing Uber vehicles to Dishub to be inspected and to obtain the [taxi] sticker," Karun added.

Previously, kompas.com reported that Ahok had said that Uber was yet to receive an operational permit as it had not registered
as a company in the city.

"[Uber] hasn't been given permission yet. We have stated that Uber can operate [if it has complied with] the same requirements
as GrabTaxi," said Ahok at City Hall on Tuesday. (kes)(+)