Uncertainty shrouds planned bus strike

Uncertainty shrouds planned bus strike

JAKARTA (JP): While bus owners insist the planned strike will
go ahead on Monday, bus drivers are still debating the move as
striking would mean losing their income for as long as the strike
lasts.

"I've heard about the planned strike, but I'm not sure whether
I will drive tomorrow or not," Subari, a driver of Kopaja 608
minibus plying the Blok M-Tanah Abang route, told The Jakarta
Post.

"I'll wait for a last-minute announcement from my employer.

"But I hope the strike won't last too long because I don't
have any other source of income," he said.

Dion, also a Kopaja driver, said staging a strike would only
cause him financial losses.

"Joining the strike will mean a loss of income for the day.
But I don't dare to oppose the plan as I could be fired as a
consequence."

He said that in his experience an increase in fares were
usually followed with an increase in the rental he must pay the
bus owner.

"That's why a fare increase won't affect our income," he said.

Conductor Iksal said that by striking he could avoid being
considered uncooperative by his colleagues.

"If I oppose the call, it could be a disaster as the vehicle
can be damaged by those opposed to such a move," he said.

Kopaja driver Wiganto said fare increases would only cause
arguments with passengers.

The chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian
Transportation Workers Union (SPTI), Karmen Siregar, shared the
drivers' concerns, saying the strike would only burden the
drivers and conductors.

"The owners may have enough money to support their families if
the strike goes on for a week or two, but what about the drivers
and conductors? They rely solely on their daily income," he said
over the phone.

He also said owners of Metro mini buses would probably not
join the strike.

Kopaja minibuses and Metro mini buses are owned by individual
members of the companies.

Drivers of private Steady Safe bus firm also voiced concern.

"I've read the notice from Organda (the Organization of Land
Transportation Owners), but the company has yet to decide whether
we'll join the strike or not," a driver, who asked for anonymity,
said.

"We're expecting an announcement by midnight."

Passengers also expressed concern at the planned strike.

"I don't know how I'll get to my campus in Lenteng Agung,
South Jakarta, if buses don't run," said Putut, a first year
university student.

"I don't know how to get to my office in Cengkareng tomorrow
(Monday), it's too far away," said Ediputra of Bekasi.

Another passenger, Rengges, warned of the possibility of mass
anger toward buses operating during the strike.

Meanwhile, Rutty of Bendungan Hilir in Central Jakarta said
she would ask a friend to give her a lift to her office in Pulo
Gadung, East Jakarta.

The possibility of a lack of transportation is also worrying
vendors who operate on buses.

"Well, I hope they will cancel the plan. Otherwise, I'll lose
my daily income of Rp 20,000," said vendor Nurdin.

City spokesman Muhayat said city administration had made
arrangements with related agencies to cope with the planned
strike.

"City residents should not worry about the planned strike
because we have prepared alternative transportation means," he
said over the telephone.

"Head of the City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) Buyung
Atang has coordinated with the military, police and Ministry of
Communications to provide backup transport," he added.

Backup

Meanwhile, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard
Ryacudu pledged his support to provide backup transportation.

"We'll provide 307 buses and trucks to anticipate the strike,"
he said on the sidelines of a ceremony to commemorate the
Indonesian Air Force's 54th anniversary at Halim Perdanakusuma
air base, East Jakarta.

He, however, expected the planned strike would be canceled as
it would only burden people.

Earlier on Friday, city military command spokesman Lt. Col.
Djazairi Nachrowi said not all buses would be affected by the
strike.

"Intelligence reports reveal that Organda's call for a strike
didn't receive support from all of its members," he said as
quoted by Antara.

Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar has instructed
directors of state-owned bus companies PPD and Damri to prepare
their bus fleets to anticipate the planned strike, the news
agency reported. (08/ida/nvn)