Ojek
Motorcycle taxis are a very common,
but unlicensed, form of transport in Indonesia. Commonly called ojek, they can be found in most areas
of the country, from the towns where traffic jams sometimes greatly hinder
other forms of transport to rural areas areas where four-wheeled vehicles
cannot travel. Would-be passenger usually haggle with the driver over the fee
which is generally around IDR 10,000 (about US$ 1) for short trips.
Many motorcycle taxi drivers own
their vehicles or are paying installments for them through credit. The
availability of cheap Indonesian-made motorcycles from Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki
and some cheaper Chinese imports combined with the ease with which driver's
licenses can be obtained and credit schemes has resulted in the rapid growth of
motorcycle taxis. However, in several areas, the motorcycles used are often
stolen ones without any papers.
Indonesian law requires motorcycle
riders to wear helmets. However often only the driver does so. Sometimes
drivers provide a helmet for the passenger but more likely drivers will simply
avoid larger streets where police might catch the violation.
Nowadays, because of traffic, ojek are
often the fastest form of transport, especially in Jakarta. Many people
choose ojek rather than taxis because although taxies are much
safer, ojek are cheaper can easily manoeuvre through the
traffic.
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