Scores of Metromini bus drivers all over Jakarta have reportedly been on strike since last weekend after authorities started cracking down on city buses that don’t meet safety standards.
Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama doesn’t seem to be deterred from the depletion of city buses in the capital; in fact, he seems to welcome it.
“If they (the drivers) want to go on strike, then go on strike. It’s better than killing people,” Ahok said yesterday, as quoted by Kompas.
Ahok was referring to a recent spate of Metromini bus accidents, such as the crash with a KRL Commuterline train that killed 18, and another in which a Metromini bus ran over and killed a young boy.
Authorities have blamed these incidents on the Metromini bus drivers’ reckless driving.
The Jakarta Transportation Agency has abolished some Metromini bus routes prone to accidents. The police have also found thousands of public transportation drivers without driver’s licenses.
Ahok said the strike won’t greatly affect the people of Jakarta at this time because schools are out for the holidays. In addition, the Jakarta Provincial Government is borrowing hundreds of buses from the state government to keep up with passenger demand.
