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Jakarta Post

EDITORIAL: Troubled Transjakarta

EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post)
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Sat, June 17, 2017

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EDITORIAL: Troubled Transjakarta ansjakarta bus passengers are forced to disembark on Jl. KH Hasyim Ashari in Central Jakarta, following the start of a wildcat bus workers' strike on Monday. The employees are demanding a better work scheme. (kompas.com/Andri Donnal Putera )

T

he large slogan plastered on the back of many Transjakarta buses that reads, “We never sleep to serve you more” spoke aloud an irony on Monday as a strike involving bus operator’s contractual workers left 30,000 commuters across the city stranded, with traffic mayhem prevailing in several areas. 

The lockout smeared Transjakarta’s recent campaign to deliver better service. Selling cheap basic commodities during Ramadhan and regular music performances at several bus stops, to name a few, are among the initiatives Tranjakarta management have taken to build the company’s image and lure new passengers. 

The strike was the straw that broke Transjakarta management’s back amid mounting demands from workers for permanent employment and better working conditions — demands, which workers say have fallen on deaf ears. 

Such demands make sense as many workers have been employed for more than 12 years. Some have even worked for the company since 2004, when Transjakarta operated as a technical working unit. Late in 2014, the unit became a city-owned firm, yet the workers did not receive permanent jobs despite the law stipulating otherwise.

Jakartans may recall that Transjakarta was the city’s public transport ‘prima donna’ when it was first rolled out by then president Megawati Soekarnoputri during the administration of governor Sutiyoso in January 2004. Despite criticism, particularly from private car owners, for exacerbating the traffic congestion because of its special lane, Transjakarta has continued to win many hearts amid the lack of reliable public transportation options. 

Jakartans lay their hopes on Transjakarta as other public bus operators are poorly managed. 

When launched, Transjakarta constituted a revolution in the city’s transport salary system against setoran, or revenue sharing, which was blamed for the reckless driving, which typified public buses in the country. Transjakarta also introduced a new public transport culture with its modern, cashless ticketing system. 

Slowly but surely, Transjakarta has reformed, if not revolutionized, the public transportation system in the capital. Therefore, the recent strike, and the threat of further strikes in the near future should management fail to address the demands, should be taken seriously. The right to (permanent) employment is promulgated in the Constitution and the United Nations Convention on Economic and Social Rights.

There is a belief that good products and services only come from employees whose rights, in particular their job security, are fulfilled. Industrial relations are well maintained if there is a balance between the interests of the employer and the workers.

As a public service provider, the interest of the public should be the ultimate consideration while Transjakarta management and workers are at loggerheads. A rift should not sacrifice Transjakarta services as many commuters have come to rely on it due to its extensive coverage and speed. We are talking about 450,000 regular passengers per day.

As Transjakarta is simply too big to fail, the Jakarta administration must ensure the only option is success.

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