A Jakarta public transportation driver is under investigation following the viral spread of a video appearing too show him verbally abusing a female passenger on a JakLingko bus [[1]]. The incident, which occurred Friday, has ignited public outcry and prompted a swift response from transportation authorities in the Indonesian capital [[2]]. Authorities are investigating reports the driver also allegedly threatened physical harm, as Jakarta continues efforts to improve public transport safety and passenger experience [[3]].
Jakarta –
A Jakarta public transportation driver is facing scrutiny after a video surfaced online appearing to show him verbally abusing a female passenger, and allegedly threatening physical harm. The incident, which occurred on a JakLingko bus, has sparked outrage on social media and prompted a response from transportation officials.
The video, originally posted to Instagram account @yogi_085664016987, shows the driver confronting the woman after she began recording him. Instead of apologizing, the driver is heard shouting abusive language at her.
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“You monkey, you monkey! Enough. You monkey!” the driver reportedly said, according to the video posted Friday, January 2.
The person who uploaded the video claims the driver was berating multiple passengers with similar language and exhibiting generally rude behavior. The incident began when the driver initially refused to allow passengers to sit in the front of the bus, despite available space in the rear. Even after the back of the bus filled up, he continued to deny passengers access to the front seats.
The passenger began recording the driver in an attempt to file a complaint. According to her account, the driver became enraged and began yelling obscenities.
“He tried to hide his identity and then became angry with me for recording him. The driver almost hit me, but it wasn’t captured on video,” she stated.
Ayu Wardhani, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at TransJakarta, issued an apology for the driver’s actions and assured the public that the company is taking the matter seriously.
“We apologize for the inconvenience this caused. TransJakarta is responding seriously to this incident,” Wardhani said when contacted.
The incident comes roughly a month after Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung threatened disciplinary action against JakLingko drivers who drive recklessly or violate traffic regulations. He stated in late November that drivers would be required to undergo retraining, and those who continued to violate rules would be removed from service.
“I have asked the head of the transportation department to address and retrain JakLingko drivers who drive recklessly. If they continue to do so, they will be replaced,” Pramono said at the time.
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