Not Yet Reached Agreement On Tariffs, Angkot Drivers In Ternate Hold Strike Action

Dozens of angkot drivers in Ternate City staged a strike on Monday, March 28 (Antara/Abdul Fatah)

MALUKU - The city government of Ternate has not yet reached an agreement regarding the increase in public transport fares, which has led dozens of angkot drivers in the North Maluku region to hold a 'pull' strike.

The strike action of angkot drivers who are members of the Solidarity Association of Passenger Transport Drivers (ISSAP) took place at Gamalama Terminal, Monday, March 28.

Head of the Traffic and Parking Division of the Ternate City Transportation Service, Fachrul Rozy, said that ISSAP had held a hearing with the Ternate City Transportation Agency, but at that meeting there was an agreement regarding the tariff increase.

"According to the agreement, tomorrow there will be a meeting to determine public transport fares," said Fachrul in Ternate, Monday, March 28.

According to him, the proposed tariff increase requested by ISSAP is 50 percent of the normal applicable tariff.

The reason for the proposal itself is because premium type of fuel oil (BBM) is no longer sold by gas stations and has been replaced by other types of fuel which are more expensive.

"If it is agreed that a 50 percent increase will be made tomorrow, a decree for a tariff increase will be issued immediately. The government does not only look at the driver's side, but also from the side of the community as users of transportation services," he said, as reported by Antara.

Previously, Commission I of the Ternate City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) responded to the actions of public transport drivers related to the policy of the Ternate City Transportation Service.

Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Ternate DPRD, Zainul Rahman, stated that according to the provisions for regulating road traffic, passengers are not allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at any place.

"We hope that if the temporary angkot terminal is under construction and if we want to follow the rules, the consequences will be on the driver's income, the people in the field will find it difficult and I think the Transportation Agency can tolerate it so that the problems that are currently happening can be applied wisely," he said.