TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -The Transportation Ministry announced the increased Zone 2 online motorcycle taxi (ojek online) fare encompassing operational areas in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (greater Jakarta area) which will be effective on Monday, March 16.

The Ministry's director-general of land transportation Budi Setiyadi announced today that “The upper cap tariff (TBA) will increase from Rp2,000 to Rp2,250 while the bottom cap (TBB) is set from Rp2,500 to Rp2,650.”

This increase in online motorcycle taxi top and bottom cap will effectively heighten its flag fall price to Rp9,000 - Rp10,500 for every 4 kilometers.

According to Budi, the increased fare refers to the research done by an independent team appointed by the Transportation Ministry that takes into consideration consumers’ purchase ability and people’s general welfare in the greater Jakarta area.

“There were many components considered prior to us finally increasing the tariff,” said Budi.

Moreover, the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) chairman Tulus Abadi said the online motorcycle taxi increased tariff is within the acceptable number but warns the government to not change regulations due to public pressure.

“It isn’t healthy to see a public policy being taken due to pressure from the [online motorcycle taxi] drivers. This will be a bad precedent for the future,” said Tulus Abadi.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA