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Public minibus drivers oppose road closure in Tanah Abang
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A pedestrian jumps over a road barrier to avoid traffic at Tanah Abang Market, Central Jakarta, on Thursday. The city administration will close the 400-meter long Jl Jatibaru from 8:00-18:00 to accommodate street vendors. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
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ublic minibus drivers have protested against the city administration’s decision to close the 400-meter long Jl Jatibaru to accommodate street vendors, which was implemented on Friday.
A Jakarta Transportation Cooperative (Kopaja) bus driver named Ombri questioned the policy saying the traders already had places to sell their goods inside the market. “The market was built for trading.”
The driver who serves the Tanah Abang-Kampung Melayu route said he and his friends would hold a rally. “This policy could potentially decrease our daily income. The administration must revise the policy,” he said.
A 50-year-old minivan driver called Bang Black was also unhappy and said he would join any demonstrations.
On the other hand, the policy was not considered problematic for three wheeled motor vehicle bajaj drivers.
Iwan, a bajaj driver said there were many alternative roads he could use. His only concern was that his passengers would have to walk further to get to their destinations.
Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, Andri Yansyah, hoped all transportation workers in Tanah Abang would cooperate with the administration and obey the order. He told Tempo on Thursday, that his agency had prepared a new traffic plan to accompany the policy. (gis)
