Despite Jakarta Land Transportation Organization is still calculating public transport tariff increase following the subsidized fuel (BBM) price hike which effective today, Tuesday (11/18), some public transport drivers already raise tariff unilaterally. Inevitably, this condition is very burdensome to passengers.

I raised the tariff Rp 1,000. Although the setoran (rental fee system) does not increase, but the fuel has

Adi (20), a driver of Metromini 10 (Senen-Sunter), admitted has raised tariff from Rp 3,000 to Rp 4,000. He reasoned it is conducted because he has bought diesel fuel at new price of Rp 7,500 per liter.

“I raised the tariff Rp 1,000. Although the setoran (rental fee system) does not increase, but the fuel has. I also ask for understanding from the passengers,” he expressed, Tuesday (11/18).

Nevertheless, there are also drivers who do not raise the tariff. One of them is Gani (50), a driver of Mikrolet 37 (Pulogadung-Senen), who said has not raised the tariff because there is no decision yet from the government. Whereas, he has purchased premium fuel from the old price of Rp 6,500 per liter to Rp 8,500 per liter.

“I do not dare to raise tariff because there is no decision yet from the government. If I did it, I could be arrested. I just ask for passengers’ understanding,” he uttered.

Responding on this matter, Head of Central Jakarta Transportation Sub-Department Supervision and Control Section, Harlem Simajuntak, explained that related units are still discussing this matter and there is no decree yet on tariff increase. Thus, public transport drivers must not raise tariff unilaterally.

“No one can increase tariff before there is decree from the government. If there were unruly drivers, we will take action by grounding their vehicles,” he asserted.