Ahok recruits bus drivers

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Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama aims to recruit thousands of drivers for city-owned PT Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta ) buses by offering a salary of around Rp.9.3 million, as part of the capital’s efforts to improve public transportation.

The city administration has opened recruitment for drivers and onboard personnel, with 6,000 spots as drivers available. The new drivers will be trained and receive a salary of between Rp 6.2 million (US$445), twice 2016 Jakarta’s minimum wage of Rp 3.1 million, and Rp 9.3 million.

“If you work as an angkot [mini bus] driver or a truck driver would you get that amount? Just don’t act insolent,” he said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.

The new recruits will also be covered by accident and health insurance provided by the Social Security Agency (BPJS). Ahok said that drivers would receive more benefits working for Transjakarta as compared to driving public buses such as Metro Minis.

“If you don’t want to work with us, then compete with us. It depends on Jakartans, do they want to get on an Rp 3,500-fare bus [Transjakarta] or on a battered bus?,” he said.

The new vacancies are made possible by Ahok’s plan to expand Transjakarta’s network to Greater Jakarta to replace the integrated bus network (APTB).

Applicants must fulfill the requirements set by the city administration, which include the completion of a junior high school education, ownership of a general B1 driver’s license for a single bus and B2 driver’s license for double-decker and articulated buses.

They must also be healthy, literate and abide by a drug-free policy.