Mikrolet Drivers Demonstration, Traffic in Tanah Abang Bogged Down
Reported by Andry | Translated by
Due to their route being rerouted, tens of Mikrolet M10 (Tanah Abang-Jembatan Lima) drivers staged a demonstration in front of Tanah Abang Blok G and F Market, Jalan Kebon Jati, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (5/7). This action had made the traffic around Tanah Abang severely congested due to the mikrolets were parked in the middle of the road.
To avoid congestion, the officers told us to spin through Jalan Jati Bunder straight to Tanah Abang Station. Meanwhile, our passengers are in Blok A
Endang (54), one of Mikrolet M10 drivers, said the demonstration was triggered by the prohibition of Jakarta Transportation Department to Mikrolet M10 drivers to pass through Blok A since it was causing traffic congestion. They were then asked to spin through Jalan Jati Bunder behind Blok G. Whereas, passengers are many in Blok A.
“To avoid congestion, the officers told us to spin through Jalan Jati Bunder straight to Tanah Abang Station. Meanwhile, our passengers are in Blok A,” he uttered.
South Jakarta Police Guard 3 Demonstration LocationsResponding on this matter, Head of Central Jakarta Transportation Sub-Department Supervision and Control Section, Harlem Simanjuntak, told that the route diversion aims to arrange traffic flows in Tanah Abang.
“This route diversion aims to re-arrange the trajectory of Mikrolet M10. This is because its initial trajectory did not pass Blok A and Blok B, but passed on Jalan Jati Bunder straight towards Tanah Abang Station,” he explained.
According to Simanjuntak, his party has socialized this route diversion to Mikrolet M10 party before applying it. Unfortunately, Mikrolet M10 drivers strongly rejected it.
“This route diversion has been running for a week and has been socialized to the mikrolet company. It turns out the drivers rejected it. For now, while looking for the best solution, we allow them to pass through Blok A,” he stated.
