Coal truck drivers threaten to srage large rally in Jambi

.....Allow us to travel on state roads. Don't make our fate uncertain," he said.....

Jambi (ANTARA Jambi) - Coal truck drivers in Jambi province have threatened to stage a large rally next Tuesday to protest a bylaw banning coal trucks from traveling on highways.

The threat surfaced when the Association of Coal Truck Drivers (ASABA) in Jambi held a discussion with the secretary of the Batanghari district government, assistant to the Jambi governor and representatives from agencies at the office of the Batanghari district head on Friday.

No agreement was reached during the 2-hour meeting, with the coal truck drivers threatening to stage a large rally outside the office of Batanghari district head on Tuesday, Jan 21.

One of the ASABA members, H Hasan, said the local government should continue to allow coal truck drivers to travel on state roads.

"Allow us to travel on state roads. Don't make our fate uncertain," he said.

Another truck driver, Sigit, suggested that the provincial government invite all district heads and mayors in Jambi province to help resolve the problem.

Sigit said, however, that he understood that the Batanghari district government could not decide the matter itself.

Meanwhile, secretary of the Batanghari district government Ali Redo insisted on defending the bylaw, saying the local government would fairly enforce it.(Ant)