Jakarta – Hundreds of ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers blocked the Casablanca elevated road in South Jakarta on Tuesday morning in protest over a rule banning motorcycles from the overpass.

The drivers were furious because they said police officers were only deployed to one end of the road, which connects to Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta and Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta.

"They didn't stand in Karet, but conducted the raid here in Casablanca. I feel trapped," one driver said on Tuesday, as quoted by kompas.com.

The protest caused traffic congestion from the Menteng Pulo cemetery in Central Jakarta to the Kota Kasablanka Mall in South Jakarta. Police personnel eventually dispersed the protesters.

Jakarta Police traffic unit head Comr. Hari Admoko denied accusations that police had trapped the motorcycle drivers, saying officers had been standing by on both lanes from Karet to Casablanca. "They are just looking for a reason [to protest]," Hari said.

Previously, police had told motorcycle drivers not to use the elevated road, as it was exclusively for cars.

Jakarta Transportation Agency deputy head Sigit Wijatmoko said strong wind on the elevated road might be dangerous for motorcycle drivers, so they should not use the road.

Motorcycle drivers also often took selfies on the elevated road, which could endanger their lives, Sigit said. (cal)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/07/25/hundreds-of-ojek-drivers-block-south-jakarta-road.html