Do Not Just Install A Seated Divider Between Passengers And Motorcycle Taxi Drivers

Illustrations (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - All public vehicles operate with the implementation of the COVID-19 prevention protocol during the adaptation period to new normal conditions.

The number of passengers in vehicles is limited, but not on ojek. Ojek, which can only carry one passenger, are advised to wear a partition or divider between the driver and passenger.

A number of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) groups took the initiative to create their own partitions. In fact, this partition has been sold on a number of digital trading platforms.

However, there is no stipulation regarding the shape, size, and basic material for the manufacture of the partition, either from the applicator or from the government.

Transportation observer from the Indonesian Transportation Society, Djoko Setijowarno, considers that partitioning cannot be done with the original finished material and shape.

"We know that using a motorcycle has the risk of accidents with the highest fatality rate compared to other means of transportation," said Djoko when confirmed by VOI, Tuesday, June 23.

Djoko said, there are a number of safety considerations that must be included in the partitioning of the motorcycle taxi.

Partitions are made to protect saliva splashes or droplets which are the medium for transmission of the corona virus. However, the partitions should not disturb the balance or aerodynamics of the vehicle while operating.

"The design needs to be curved on top and added with curves on the right and left sides. That way, the airflow when the motorbike is moving can follow aerodynamic motion and not become an obstacle," said Djoko.

The second consideration is crashworthiness. If the motorcycle taxi has an accident, the partition must not injure the driver or passenger.

"Partition material, apart from being light and strong, must also be made of objects which, if broken, do not become sharp objects. Then, around it must be given a protective rubber layer," he said.

Djoko quoted Article 4 of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. The article states that consumer rights are the right to comfort, security and safety in consuming goods and / or services.

Therefore, Djoko questioned whether the partition could create a sense of security and safety for drivers and passengers. Because, so far, there has been no stipulation of the Indonesian national standard (SNI) for the partition.

"Is the government going to discuss the creation of partitions that do not comply with standards? It needs the involvement of the National Transportation Safety Commission (KNKT) of the Ministry of Transportation which can provide a response to improve the partition idea that has currently been developed by the applicator," he said.

Previously, the Ministry of Transportation advised online motorcycle taxi drivers to add to the divider placed between the driver and the passenger to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

Director of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, Budi Setiyadi, said this suggestion has been conveyed to applicators or online transportation service providers. However, this proposed insulation is not an obligation.

"Applicators, both Gojek and Grab, are willing to gradually prepare the insulation. The applicator realizes the need for insulation, so that people believe that motorcycle taxis are safe from COVID-19," said Budi, some time ago.