T

housands of taxi drivers in Batam, Riau Islands, went on strike on Tuesday and rallied at the municipal office, blocking a number of roads.

The drivers '€” grouped under the Barelang Taxi Drivers Communication Forum (FKPTB) '€” opposed the increase in the operation quota of the Jakarta-based Blue Bird taxi fleet, which the drivers claimed had reduced their income.

The FKPTB mobilized at least 2,000 taxis parked along the government complex in Batam Center from Tuesday morning, while other FKPTB members blocked Blue Bird taxis from entering a number of ferry terminals and Hang Nadim International Airport.

At the entrance of Hang Nadim airport, a number of taxis could not enter due to the protest, forcing passengers to walk.

Ferry terminals such as Harbor Bay Batam, which serves the Batam-Singapore route, were also affected.

FKPTB head Joni Efrianto said the protest was aimed at urging the government to issue a policy not to increase the operating quota for Blue Bird taxis.

According to Joni, based on an earlier meeting, Blue Bird requested the operation of an additional 25 taxi cabs that the FKPTB agreed to, but the latter wanted clarification from Batam municipality that there would be no more increases in the quota for Blue Bird taxis.

When reached by The Jakarta Post, Blue Bird Group spokesman Teguh Wijayanto said his company had operated its fleet of 25 taxis as of Feb. 1.

Blue Bird had obtained a total quota of 500 taxis, but had only operated 50 cabs since 2012.

'€œThis is just to implement the quota that is in line with the guidelines and regulations issued by the Batam City Transportation Office, as well as in the framework of providing maximum services to the community in Batam,'€ said Teguh.

According to Teguh, his company had offered to work with other taxi fleets and drivers in Batam, but the company'€™s aim to improve taxi transportation in Batam was not greeted positively by other taxi companies.

Teguh said his company was firm on the initial decision of the additional fleet and would operate as usual.

Separately, Batam Transportation Office head Zulhendri said his office had allowed taxi drivers to hold the rally, provided it was peaceful.

'€œEvery company is free to operate, including an increase in operating quota by Blue Bird, which is in line with procedures,'€ said Zulhendri.

He added that the protests of the taxi drivers against the additional Blue Bird taxi fleet would be further discussed, as the office could not decide on the matter unilaterally.